Garbine Muguruza's challenging year worsened after the two-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the Silicon Valley Classic with an injury.
Muguruza was one of the most feared players in the world at her best. When she found her range, the Spaniard's blistering power from the baseline took the racket out of most of her opponent's hands.
Her ability was demonstrated by her Grand Slam triumphs, in which she beat both of the iconic Williams sisters. She overcame Serena Williams at the 2016 French Open and defeated Venus Williams at the 2017 Wimbledon Championships.
Unfortunately, this year has been a different story for the 28-year-old. She has won just eight of her 20 matches so far this season, compared to her 42-17 win/loss record last year, when she finished the season by winning the WTA Finals.
Her last match was a 4-6, 0-6 loss to Greet Minnen in the opening round of Wimbledon. Minnen is a solid competitor, but it was shocking that she lost so heavily to a player she would have expected to beat in previous years.
Unfortunately, Muguruza will not get to improve her fortunes at the Silicon Valley Classic. The former French Open champion had planned to start her North American hardcourt season early at the event.
The tournament's Twitter page announced the disappointing news, wishing the Spaniard a speedy recovery. The tweet did not provide further details about the extent of the issue.
Hopefully, the injury is not severe. Muguruza could positively use the period on the sidelines to mentally regroup if the problem is not serious and get herself in the right frame for the US Open.
A more severe injury would be devastating for Muguruza, but there are no indications that the issue is long-term. Fans will hope to see Muguruza back on the court and performing near her best again soon.