Graf pulls out of Challenge Cup final
Stomach woes keep German from facing Venus Williams
Posted: Saturday January 09, 1999 09:11 AM
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Ill will: Graf was diagnosed with a case of gastric flu AP |
HONG KONG (AP) -- Steffi Graf's comeback trail hit a snag
Saturday when the former World champion pulled out of the
Super-Power Challenge Cup final against American teenager Venus
Williams in the first set after falling ill.
The 29-year-old Graf, who was plagued by injuries last year,
said she was suffering from an upset stomach.
The German, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles in her career,
battled to a 2-2 tie in the first set before retiring at the
Victoria Park tennis court.
"I am not feeling well. I have severe stomach pains," Graf
told tournament officials. The seven-time Wimbledon champion
immediately went in for dressing room treatment before returning to
her hotel.
Graf said she hopes she will be fit enough to take part in the
Australian International tournament, which starts in Sydney on
Sunday.
She is using the Hong Kong and Sydney tournaments as a build-up
to the Australian Open, which begins January 18 in Melbourne.
"The doctor who examined her diagnosed her as having a bad bout
of gastric flu," said Brian Catton, tournament director.
Graf had advanced to the final with a 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) victory
over Serena Williams -- Venus' sister.
The German said on Friday after her match against Serena that it
was her first match "in a long time and I really felt good out
there."
Venus, ranked 5th in the world, defeated Anna Kournikova of
Russia in three sets in a meaningless replacement match following
Graf's withdrawal.
On Friday, Venus defeated the Russian 6-4, 6-3 in the
semifinals. The 18-year-old American said it was "very sad" that
Graf had to retire because of illness.
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