Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Ana Ivanovic and Kirsten Flipkens have been forced to withdraw from the ASB Classic doubles draw due to Ivanovic suffering from headaches and dizziness.

Ivanovic has made the decision alongside her doubles partner and coaching team to pull out of the Auckland tournament to recover and focus on getting to Sydney fit and healthy.

Ivanovic has vowed to return “I love being in Auckland for the ASB Classic and I really want to come back in 2017 and give the title another go.”

Ivanovic offered her heartfelt thanks to all those people behind the scenes “The volunteers make you feel so special and ensure the events run so smoothly. I really feel at home here in Auckland. I promise to all my fans that I will be back soon.”

“It’s obviously disappointing for us to see Ana leave Auckland, but we know she will be back. It is unfortunate from time to time that injuries and illness happen but that is the nature of sport.” said Karl Budge, ASB Classic Tournament Director.

Budge continued “Upsets are a part of our sport.  We are all thrilled with Marina’s upset win last night.  With Marina, Svetlana and Caroline all still firing to name a few, we know we are going to have a cracking week and crown a new champion come Saturday.”

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.