Anisimova opens up on sudden retirement in match against Fernandez at Indian Wells

There was a bit of concern when Amanda Anisimova abruptly retired in her second round match against Leylah Fernandez at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, but the American has set the record straight, saying she was too ill to continue.

Anisimova cruised through the first set 6-2 and was 5-4 40-0 up when Fernandez stormed back, saving four match points to force a tiebreak that she dominated 7-6(0). Before the anticipated third set could begin, Anisimova told the chair umpire she was not feeling well and rushed off the court to the stunned disappointment of the 5,000 fans packed into Stadium Two.

"Hi everyone, unfortunately I've been quite sick the last few days and yesterday woke up feeling very ill," Anisimova wrote in a social media post.

"I wanted to try to push through it in the match and continue playing the tournament. I couldn't go on with the match anymore because I felt like I was putting my health at risk at that point.

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"It's disappointing for me to end this week like this, but that's just the way it is sometimes. I'll try to be better next time. I'll look forward to getting back on the court soon. And please keep your negative comments to yourself."

The 20-year old had been in good form prior to Indian Wells, winning the pre-tournament Eisenhower Cup and defeating Naomi Osaka and Belinda Bencic at this year's Australian Open.