Lulu Sun withdraws from Wuhan WTA 1000 tournament

New Zealand No 1 Lulu Sun has made the decision to not play in the WTA tournament in Wuhan, China this week as she continues to recover from the injury picked up at the US Open.

Sun travelled to Wuhan after playing in Beijing last week, but she has posted on her Instagram page that she is still bothered by the injury in New York.

“Unfortunately, my injury from the US Open is still lingering, and despite my best efforts in Beijing, the pain hasn't fully subsided,” Sun wrote.

“After a discussion with my team, we've decided it's best for me to withdraw from the Wuhan to focus on recovering.

“I'm sad I won't be able to compete this year in Wuhan but this is the right step to ensure I can come back stronger!

“Thank you for your continued support and love! See you guys soon.”

There are only three more weeks of the season left to play following this week’s tournament in Wuhan.

If Sun’s injury doesn’t come right soon, the world No 40 may decide with her team that it’s in her best interests to not play again this year and focus on being ready for the ASB Classic, which begins on December 30.

Sun not playing again this year could have an impact on the ASB Classic as there is the possibility that if she had a strong end to the season she could make it into the top 30.

If she did that, she would take up one of the two exempt spots for players ranked between 11 and 30, according to the WTA’s rules for 250 level tournaments.

But if Sun ends the year outside the top 30, that allows ASB Classic tournament director, Nicolas Lamperin the opportunity to bring two players to Auckland who are ranked between 11 and 30.

So far, Sun and Naomi Osaka are the only players confirmed for this summer’s women’s ASB Classic, but more announcements are expected soon.