Australian Open: Alexandr Dolgopolov could be forced to miss tournament with a knee injury
Saturday 17 January 2015 19:58, UK
Fernando Verdasco was handed the Kooyong Classic title after the withdrawal of Alexandr Dolgopolov, who is a major injury doubt for the Australian Open.
The world No 23 retired with a knee problem after dropping the opening set 7-6 and fears he could require an operation, which would rule him out of the upcoming tournament in Melbourne.
"I may need surgery," said Dolgopolov, who was hampered by injury problems last year. "I'm not sure even if I can play the Australian Open."
Verdasco expressed his sympathy for the stricken Ukrainian and was not worried about being denied more court time ahead of the opening Grand Slam of the year.
"This is the last way you want to win a match," said the Spaniard, who faces Britain’s James Ward in the first round. "I'm good friends with Alex and you don't want this to happen to anyone.
"He was feeling pain in the set and that is not good news. It's not a matter of me getting in enough practice, I could practise all afternoon now if I want."
In the playoff for third place, Richard Gasquet also raised fitness concerns during a 7-6 7-6 win over Kei Nishikori.
The Frenchman appeared to be troubled by his back, but insisted he would be ready for his opening match against Carlos Berlocq.
"I feel good, I don't have any big problems," said Gasquet. "I'm feeling good now and working on my fitness."
