Heather Watson has declared her unavailability for the upcoming Australian Open this month, although she anticipates recovering from her injury by the close of February.
The tennis player, aged 33, has seen her global ranking drop to 269 and her British standing to ninth, having been sidelined since late August due to a gluteal tendon problem – marking her initial significant injury across her 17-year professional journey.
Her most recent appearance was in the opening qualifying round for the US Open, subsequent to her defeat in the initial round at Wimbledon on the first of July.
Watson, a champion in mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 2016 and a quarter-finalist in women’s doubles two years thereafter, has lately recommenced her training regimen.
Via an Instagram update originating from Florida, where her winter training is underway, Watson conveyed her eagerness to rejoin competitive play.
“I have genuinely yearned for my sense of purpose and the daily trials that tennis presents,” she articulated.
“My anticipation to return to the tour and compete once more is immense. Ideally, should everything proceed as intended, I’ll be back by the conclusion of February.
“The inability to participate in Australia this year has caused me significant emotional pain, yet it has simultaneously ignited a powerful drive within me.”
