Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from Indian Wells as her recovery from a back injury continues (Image: Getty)
Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from Indian Wells due to the back injury that also kept her out of the . The reigning champion has endured a frustrating start to 2025.
Krejcikova is yet to play on the WTA Tour this year. The Czech confirmed after the that she will need time to allow the problem to heal.
Julia Grabher will replace the Czech player in the main draw of Indian Wells, which is due to begin on March 5.
The official Indian Wells X account posted: “Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn due to injury. Julia Grabher moves into the main draw.”
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Krejcikova has been carrying her injury since the end of last season. The world No. 10 seemed affected by her back during the WTA Finals in early November.
After pulling out of the , she said: “I wanted to share a quick update regarding my withdrawal from the . Unfortunately, my back injury, which troubled me at the end of last season, is still not fully healed.
“It’s disappointing because I love playing in Melbourne and have such great memories from reaching the quarter-finals last year … I’m working hard to get back to full health. I can’t wait to see you on the court soon.”
The world No. 10 has not commented publicly on her injury since.
Barbora Krejcikova is the reigning Wimbledon champion (Image: Getty)
It comes after Venus Williams turned down a wildcard to appear at the tournament aged 44. Fans were initially excited after learning that the tennis icon had been offered a shock return. However, she soon revealed that she had turned down the opportunity as she has other commitments.
“Actually, I found the announcement super amusing because, I don’t know, people seem to be happy, so I was like, maybe I’ll just go with it,” Williams said. “I don’t know I’m actually not going. I’m like, I’m gonna be, like, in overseas. I’m not gonna be here.
“I just had a player text me today too, like, ‘Can you play doubles?’. I’m not playing. I found out about the wildcard when you guys did. Just saying.”
Ending the confusion once and for all, tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement: “Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year. We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.”