BySimon Griver, Simon Griver
Shahar Peer has withdrawn from her scheduled tournaments for the remainder of the year after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of her back.
Peer has had a wretched year. She began 2011 with high hopes having climbed from 30 to a career high 13 in 2010, and with several players above her retiring and out with long-term injuries, the Israeli seemed destined for the top 10.
Some indifferent performances could not stop her rising to 11 in the WTA rankings in March before a slump in form saw her plummet to 35 in the rankings this week.
"I'm very disappointed to be finishing the season in such a way," said Peer. "I had hoped to finish the year with some strong performances in tournaments in Europe but fortunately the injury was caught early and is not severe."
Known for her professional strength, discipline and determination, Peer has come back before. She said: "I hope to work hard and come back next year healthy and better professionally."
Now coached by former US Jewish star Harold Solomon, Peer can take some comfort from $500,000 prize money in a year where success has been limited.