PERTH, Australia (AP) — Ana Ivanovic has withdrawn from the Hopman Cup due to an abdominal strain, costing Serbia its place in the event’s final match.
Scans taken Friday showed Ivanovic sustained a significant strain in her match against Justine Henin on Thursday. She was due to compete for Serbia alongside Novak Djokovic in Saturday’s final, but halted her practice session Friday morning.
According to Hopman Cup rules, injury substitutions are not allowed for the final, so Serbia will be replaced by group runner-up Belgium.
Belgium will face either France or the U.S., after France defeated Italy 2-0 on Friday.
The U.S. faces Britain later Friday needing just one win from three matches to reach the final.
