WA’s Matt Ebden has put his country, the tournament and the fans first by withdrawing from the rest of the Hopman Cup due to a minor calf injury.
The 27 year old suffered a slight strain while playing on Sunday night and although confident of being able to take the court he didn’t want run the risk of having to withdraw again.
Medical advice was strong that he could cause more serious damage by not resting.
This was a decision that Ebden and his team agonised over for 36 hours as the Hopman Cup is a tournament he has wanted to play in since he was a teenager.
“I’m disappointed to withdraw from the Hopman Cup, an event I love so much,” Ebden said this afternoon.
“While my calf has recovered really well, it’s probably not match fit to be able to play on Wednesday night. I don’t want to take that risk for the tournament and my health.
“I plan to be fully recovered by the end of the week and be fit and ready for upcoming tournaments,” added Ebden.
Ebden’s focus will now be on rehabilitation before the qualifying draw for the Australian Open commences next week.
Marinko Matosevic will fly from Brisbane to replace Ebden at the Hopman Cup.