Setback for Stosur in French Open preparations

Omnisports

May 19, 2016 4:06 AM

There will be a familiar feel to the Internationaux de Strasbourg semis, with three players reaching the last four for a second season.

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Sam Stosur was dealt a setback in her preparations for the French Open on Thursday as she was forced to pull out of the Internationaux de Strasbourg with a wrist injury.

The defending champion had been due to face Caroline Garcia in the quarter-finals, but opted to sit out the clash to focus on her recovery.

"I have had some pain in my left wrist for the last few days," the Australian said. "I tried to practice yesterday and felt a lot of discomfort and unfortunately I can't take to the court today.

"It's difficult as I've rarely had to withdraw from a match in my career.

"I've played some good tennis here this week and I'm disappointed I won't be able to properly defend my title here in Strasbourg."

Garcia will now face compatriot Virginie Razzano in the semi-finals after the lucky loser beat Elena Vesnina 6-1 3-6 6-1 – a second quarter-final win against the Russian in as many years in Strasbourg.

A 6-4 6-2 victory for 2015 beaten finalist Kristina Mladenovic over Alla Kudryavtseva ensured there will be three French participants in the last four, with Mirjana Lucic-Baroni preventing a clean sweep thanks to her 6-0 6-1 thrashing of Pauline Parmentier.

Omnisports