Johanna Konta the latest player to withdraw from Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

A left foot injury has forced Johanna Konta out of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Al Bello / Getty Images

DUBAI // Johanna Konta, the world No10, has pulled out of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to left foot injury.

Konta, who was the No 8 seed here, was a late withdrawal from last week’s Qatar Open as well. As a result, Barbora Strycova, last year’s losing finalist, will take over as the No 8 seed and receives a bye into the second round.

“I’m really sorry to have to withdraw from Dubai,” Konta said in a statement released by the organisers. “I came here with every intention of playing and I’m really sad I didn’t get to make my debut here, but health has to come first and it’s a long season.

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“I’m really looking to coming back next year and for many years to come. It’s a wonderful venue and I’ve enjoyed my short amount of time here in Dubai.”

As per the original draw, Strycova was scheduled to meet Christina McHale in the first round, but now Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens will take on the American.

American teenager Catherine Bellis, Bertens’ original first round opponent, will take on Yulia Putintseva now as per the amended draw.

Konta is latest player to join the tournament’s withdrawal list. Injuries had already forced the likes of defending champion Sara Errani (right adductor), Svetlana Kuznetsova (abdominal injury), Eugenie Bouchard (abdominal injury), Simona Halep (left knee), Timea Bacsinszky (left thigh), Alize Cornet (shouder) and Carla Suarez Navarro to pull out.

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