DOHA, February 9, 2017

Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova, the world No. 8, has announced her withdrawal from the 2017 Qatar Total Open due to an abdominal injury.

Making the announcement on Thursday, the 2009 French Open winner said, “I am sad to announce that I am not able to participate in the Qatar Total Open this year. I recently sustained a minor abdominal injury. My doctors have advised me to rest so I can be prepared to get back on the court as soon as possible. Doha puts on an amazing event and I apologize to all the fans that I won’t be joining this year, but I look forward to coming back next year! I extend my best wishes to the organizers! “

Qatar Total Open Tournament Director Saad al Mohannadi said, “We wish Svetlana Kuznetsova all the best as she recovers from her injury. She will definitely be missed in Doha this year but we look forward to welcoming her at future events.”

The 2017 Qatar Total Open will be held from February 13-18 at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha.