Elina Svitolina has withdrawn from this week’s new ATP 500 event in Linz, Austria with her back injury from the Australian Open still requiring time to fully heal.

The Ukrainian had to quit after three games against Linda Noskova in the fourth round last week in Melbourne and has not pulled up fit for the Tour start in Upper Austria near the Czech border.

“Elina Svitolina unfortunately had to pull out before the start of our tournament,” organisers said in a statement.

“Elina tried everything to be fit in time, but she hasn‘t fully recovered yet from her back problems that were already bothering her at the Australian Open. Get well soon, Elina!”

Speculation suggests that the Swiss-based 29-year-old will rest during February and hopefully return for the back-to-back US Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami in March.

Main photo:- Elina Svitolina was forced to retire with a back injury in Australian Open

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