Britain’s Fran Jones has been forced to withdraw from the Rothesay Open Nottingham due to a shoulder injury.
The 23-year-old – who defeated Caroline Dolehide and Ashlyn Krueger in the opening rounds – was due to face Emma Raducanu in the quarter-finals today.
“’Unfortunately, today I’ve had to withdraw from what was an exciting match with Emma,” Jones said. “Hopefully everyone can understand that with the big events coming up, I’m not in a position to be taking many risks especially with my last couple of years.
“I think it’s a massive shame, I’ve really enjoyed playing this week and I’ve played at a good level, but I need to continue to think big picture which has got me into the place I’m in so far this year.”
Raducanu will now advance to the semi-finals where she will face British No.1 Katie Boulter – guaranteeing a Brit in Sunday’s final.
After her match yesterday, Boulter was full of admiration for the former US Open champion as they look set to play each other for the first time on the WTA Tour.
“With Emma, we know what she’s capable of,” Boulter said in her press conference yesterday. “She plays very well on a grass court – she plays very well on every court to be fair. It’s going to be a battle, it’s going to be a fight but that’s the fun of it. Whatever happens it’s a great week for both of us.”