No. 3 seed Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from Wimbledon with shoulder injury

LONDON − Third seed Aryna Sabalenka pulled out of Wimbledon shortly before her opening match on Monday due to a shoulder injury, organizers said.

The Belarusian, who was set to face Emina Bektas, was replaced in the draw by Erika Andreeva.

Sabalenka, who suffered a lower back injury this year and struggled with illness at the French Open, sustained the injury during last month's Berlin Open.

"I tried everything to get myself ready but unfortunately my shoulder is not cooperating," Sabalenka said on Instagram.

In addition, Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova withdrew ahead of her opening-round match with Emma Raducanu on Monday due to illness.

The 29-year-old, whose best performance at the All England Club came last year when she reached the fourth round, has been replaced by Renata Zarazua of Mexico.

British hope Raducanu, 21, missed Wimbledon last year following surgery to her hands and ankle. The 2021 U.S. Open champion has never advanced beyond the fourth round of her home Grand Slam.