Ajla Tomljanovic has put her tennis career on the backburner after going undergone surgery to remove non-cancerous tumours from her uterus.
The 30-year-old battled through the Australian summer in mixed form as she sought to move on from last year’s struggles with injury and illness.
But her 2024 season has been paused before it gained any real momentum.
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The timeline surrounding her diagnosis of uterine fibroids is unclear but the decision to go under the knife appears sudden.
“Hello everyone. Unfortunately, I won’t be competing for a couple of weeks, was very much looking forward to the next hard court events,” Tomljanovic wrote.
“I had to get some uterine fibroids removed and will be watching from home while healing. Will be back soon.”
Tomljanovic most recently took the court at a tournament in Thailand on January 29 and took part in a promotional event last week.
She only recently accepted a wildcard into an event in Mexico beginning on February 19.
The world No.221, who peaked at world No.32 last year before injury struck, received support from around the tennis and sporting world.
“Take care, heal fast, see you soon,” Australian Open doubles champion Matt Ebden said.
Tennis Australia wrote: “You’ve got this. Speedy recovery.”
Kim Clijsters wrote: “Feel better soon Ajla!”
Sloane Stephens said: “Speedy recovery bub!!!”
Daria Saville, Heather Watson, Jennifer Brady, Sara Errani, Martina Trevisan, Ons Jabeur also left comments.
Tomljanovic has been a regular member of Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup team, playing in the 2019 and 2022 finals, while she broke out as a singles star in 2021.
She reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon that year — beaten by countrywoman Ash Barty as she went on to win the title.
Tomljanovic returned to the last eight at the All England Club in 2022 and followed it up with a quarter-final appearance at the US Open for the first time.