Peng Shuai withdraws from Hong Kong tennis open

Peng Shuai

Hong Kong, Sep 7 (IANS)

Chinese player Peng Shuai has pulled out of the upcoming Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open due to illness from severe heat.

The Chinese star had to be taken from court at the US Open semi-finals to hospital after she was affected by the high temperatures at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York Friday, reports Xinhua.

Peng, who took a medical timeout, was trailing Caroline Wozniacki 6-7 (1-7), 3-4 before retiring and conceding the semi-final.

World number eight Eugenie Bouchard has also withdrawn from the Hong Kong tournament, citing fatigue.

The Canadian, who was the highest-ranked player entered for the inaugural $250,000 WTA International event, lost in the fourth round at the US Open after complaining of dizziness.

She also took an injury timeout during the match.

"I am really disappointed not to be able to play the Prudential Hong Kong Open this year," Bouchard informed organisers.

"I had been very much looking forward to it but unfortunately my medical team has advised me that I need to take the next two weeks off from competition to rest and recover after a very long season."

Germany's Sabine Lisicki will take up one of the slots left open by the last-minute withdrawals of Bouchard and Peng.

Organised by the Hong Kong Tennis Association and Hong Kong Tennis Open Limited, the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open will start from Sep 8 and conclude Sep 14.