Sofia Kenin wins Abu Dhabi last 32 tie after Kirsten Flipkens suffers freak injury with collision

Kirsten Flipkens was a set up in her match against Sofia Kenin in Abu Dhabi when she jumped for a ball and landed unfortunately on an advertising sign. The Begian veteran injured her ankle in the freak incident and was forced to retire from the match, leaving her opponent concerned.

Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium plays a forehand against Sofia Kenin of United States during her Women's Singles match on Day Three of the Abu Dhabi WTA Women's Tennis Open at Zayed Sports City on January 08, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Image credit: Getty Images

Sofia Kenin has spoken of her concern for Kirsten Flipkens after the Belgian was forced to retire from their meeting in Abu Dhabi following a bizarre injury.

Flipkens had won the first set 7-5 against the Australian Open champion but was trailing the second 5-4 when she picked up an ankle worry after colliding with an advertising sign when jumping for a ball.

"I obviously got a little bit upset, emotional," said world number four Kenin after the second round tie.

WTA Tokyo

Boulter's Tokyo run comes to an end with defeat by resurgent Kenin

26/10/2024 at 09:34

"We're good friends and that's not something you like to see. I just hope she can have a speedy recovery and get ready for Australia.

"I'll write to her later tonight, asking how she is."

Kenin will face Yulia Putintseva in the next round after she defeated Barbora Strycova. Elsewhere, there were wins for Ons Jabeur, Veronika Kudermetova, Tamara Zidansek, Aryna Sabalenka, Sara Sorribes Tormo and Paula Badosa.

US Open women

‘I feel down, I feel sad’ – Raducanu reflects on first-round exit at US Open

28/08/2024 at 10:26

Wimbledon women

Swiatek storms past Kenin for 20th win in succession in Wimbledon opener

02/07/2024 at 19:41