Australia Open: Injury stops world number 3, Aryna Sabalenka from participating in tournament

The World number three and Australia Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from Wimbledon on Monday due to a shoulder injury, tournament organizers announced on Monday.

Meanwhile, two-time semi-finalist at the All England Club, is being  replaced in the draw by Russian lucky loser Erika Andreeva, who will face American qualifier Emina Bektas in the first round.

The 26-year-old  hinted during the weekend that she may be forced to pull out after suffering the injury at the recent Berlin tournament.

“I’m not 100 percent fit now,” admitted the Belarusian.

When asked on Saturday if there was a chance she may withdraw, she said: “There is always a chance, yeah.”

“It’s really a specific injury, and it’s really a rare one.”