Ajla Tomljanovic
Philippine Mavericks' Ajla Tomljanovic serves to Micromax Indian Aces' Agnieszka Radwanska during their match at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 15, 2015. Reuters/Ahmed Jadallah

Ajla Tomljanovic hasn’t played since last year’s Australian Open. She had a shoulder injury which many were expecting that she would recover from. Despite every effort, she confirmed that she is not ready for the Jan. 13 event in Melbourne.

Tomljanovic said that she is very disappointed that she is not able to participate in the upcoming Kooyong Classic. “I’ve been doing everything I can to prepare for it, but I just need more time to be fully ready to play after being away from the tour for a while. I look forward to playing next year in front of the wonderful Australian fans.”

Tournament director Peter Johnston said processes were underway to install a replacement for Tomljanovic. “We feel sorry for Ajla as she has been working so hard to get herself ready for Kooyong and Australia. It is frustrating for her and we wish her well.”

The Croatian-born talent has only played two matches in 2016. She last played at the Australian Open on January before she underwent surgery. Her ranking has fallen to 929th place. She is currently rehabbing and training in Florida and Australia

The Kooyong Classic is set to hold a women’s event for the first time. There is now one spot available to join Sabine Lisicki and Sorana Cirstea in the three-woman field. One position also remains available in the men’s event, which is headlined by Aussie Bernard Tomic.

Tomljanovic is the girlfriend of Australian young gun Nick Kyrgios.

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