Follow us on Google Discover The Pan Pacific Open is underway in Tokyo with WTA stars looking for a strong finish to the Asian swing.
On day one of the WTA 500 event in the Japanese capital, British star Katie Boulter saw her tournament come to an abrupt end following a straight-sets defeat to Eva Lys.
Meanwhile, former Australian Open quarterfinalist Anna Kalinskaya kicked her run off with a dominant victory over Suzan Lamens, winning 6-3, 6-1.
For one WTA star, however, their campaign at the Pan Pacific Open has ended early in heartbreak.
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty ImagesMarketa Vondrousova retires due to injury at the Pan Pacific Open
In yet another setback, 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova was forced to retire due to injury during her opening-round match against Karolina Muchova in Tokyo.
After losing the first set to her Czech compatriot 6-2, Vondrousova conceded the first game in the second set, before calling a halt to the contest.
The 26-year-old has dealt with a number of injury issues in the past, particularly with her left shoulder, for which she underwent surgery in 2024.
Vondrousova returned to tour-level action at the start of 2025 in Adelaide, but took more time out after the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images
She came back at the French Open and has stayed relatively healthy ever since.
In her second tournament back on tour, Vondrousova managed to win a title, beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka en route to emerging victorious at the Berlin Tennis Open.
Now, however, though the nature of her injury is not yet confirmed, it appears she may be sidelined once again.
Karolina Muchova reacts to Marketa Vondrousova’s retirement
Reacting to her opponent’s retirement after the match, Muchova said: Yeah, of course, I’m happy to be in the second round.
“But it’s not the way that I would want to win against a good friend, so I feel for her.
“It’s my first time playing here on this court, so I’m glad there are some people who have come to support and yeah, I just wish Marketa all the best and to get healthy.”
In the next round of the Pan Pacific Open, eighth seed Muchova will face Australian star Maya Joint.