Australian Open 2026: Jones, Auger-Aliassime, Stakusic Withdraw Due to Injuries
In a somber turn of events on the second day of the Australian Open 2026, several players faced untimely withdrawals due to injuries. Notably, Francesca Jones from Britain, along with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Marina Stakusic, were among those affected.
Francesca Jones’ Heartbreaking Withdrawal
Francesca Jones experienced an emotional exit during her first-round match against Polish player Linda Klimovicova. The 25-year-old struggled with movement and ultimately retired while trailing 6-2, 3-2. This marked her continued battle with injuries, as she had previously withdrawn from the Auckland International due to a groin issue.
Injury Details
- Jones faced a glute injury during her Australian Open match.
- She required medical attention multiple times throughout the match.
- Despite her efforts, she signaled her inability to continue after a painful fifth game.
Auger-Aliassime and Stakusic Also Withdraw
In addition to Jones, Canadian eighth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime had to retire from his match due to cramping. He was joined by Marina Stakusic, who was taken off the court in a wheelchair, highlighting a challenging day for players competing in Melbourne.
Impact on the Tournament
The early withdrawals raise concerns about player fitness at major events like the Australian Open. Fans and analysts will closely watch how these injuries affect the tournament’s dynamics.
The Australian Open 2026 continues, but the absences of key players like Jones, Auger-Aliassime, and Stakusic have certainly cast a shadow over the competition.
