Injury forced sudden withdrawal from WTA 125 for Amanda Anisimova, comeback trail continues at Indian Wells

Amanda Anisimova was due to play in the Puerto Vallarta Open in Mexico, but withdrew last minute which has now been confirmed as being due to injury while training in Mexico as the American strained a muscle.

Anisimova was due to go a route that many of the returnees this season haven't gone which is playing lower level tournaments for match practice. Elina Svitolina initially rejoined the tour last season going through this method and it paid dividends. The 22-year-old who initially left the tour for mental health reasons during the 2023 season was due to return for the first time since losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of the Australian Open.

She has entered Indian Wells though which she has hinted will be her next move. One of a number of players to enter both facets of the Sunshine Double through a protected ranking, she will aim to use that setback to come back stronger. Soon after, she was pictured in the gym on her Instagram story as she aims to get right for both tournaments. But it does show that she will play lower level in order to reaccrue ranking points. Previously at a high ranking of World No.21, she showed that the level was still there both in Auckland and Melbourne.

"Hello everyone, unfortunately I strained a muscle while training in Mexico. I am sad to miss it, but I hope to be there next year. Time to rehab it and get back on track. See you at IW," she said.