Casey Dellacqua has unfortunately been forced to withdraw from the whole Australian tennis summer after failing to sufficiently recover from a concussion injury.
The decision means that Dellacqua will miss the Australian Open, the Hopman Cup, as well as her other intended lead-up event, the Apia International in Sydney.
Dellacqua’s manager, Sam Maxwell, said it was an extremely difficult decision, but one that was ultimately made upon specific medical advice.
“As Casey announced via social media on 23 October, Casey fell heavily in her doubles semi-final at the China Open in Beijing on 9 October, sustaining a concussion injury. She spent a night in a hospital in Beijing and was allowed to return to Australia a few days later.
“She was hoping to be ready for the WTA Tour Finals in Singapore at the end of October, however it soon became apparent that her injury was more severe than first thought.
“Upon returning to Australia she was in constant consultation with Tennis Australia’s medical team, and was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome.
“Casey is still experiencing headaches, neck pain and is still not in a position where she is able to train to the level required to be able to play professional tennis.
“With only one month remaining until the start of the tennis summer, given Casey’s current symptoms, the decision has been made that there is not enough time for Casey to sufficiently recover and then get her body in a position to handle the rigours of training and then ultimately compete against the best players in the world.
“There is no timeline on Casey’s return at present, however we expect her to return to light training in the coming weeks with a return to the tour some time after the Australian summer.”
Dellacqua is disappointed with the outcome, but is looking forward to getting back soon.
“I’m really upset that I have to miss the whole Australian summer, but my health is my priority,” she said.
“I am making small improvements each day and am looking forward to getting back on the tennis court again soon.
“I can’t rush the recovery, and I will do everything right to give myself the best possible chance of having a successful 2016 season.
“It is a shame that I won’t be playing in front of the Aussie fans this year, however I have really appreciated everyone’s nice messages of support over the last few months.”