Mladenovic Closes Curtain on 2021 Season
Kristina Mladenovic is turning the page on a challenging 2021 season.The 62nd-ranked Frenchwoman announced she's ending her 2021 season to rest and recover for 2022. Mladenovic, who reached quarterfinals in Chicago and Portoroz, posted a 21-26 record this season.More: Thiago Seyboth Wild Investigated for Abuse of Ex"Hello, I regret to inform you that I have decided to put an end to my season," Mladenovic posted on Instagram. "The last few months have been very challenging both physically and mentally and I feel now is the right time to take a break."I will use this period to rest fully and start training again to prepare for next season. Thank you all for your support."
The decision means Mladenovic won't be in action when France defends its Billie Jean King Cup championship next month at the O2 Arena in Prague.In 2019, Kristina Mladenovic led France to its first Fed Cup championship since 2003. The ITF later rebranded Fed Cup as the Billie Jean King Cup in honor of the Hall of Famer.In a masterful performance of poise and power, Mladenovic accounted for all three points carrying France to a 3-2 victory over host Australia in a pulsating Fed Cup final at Perth's RAC Arena.
The French No. 1 partnered Caroline Garcia defeating world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and Samantha Stosur 6-4, 6-3 in the decisive doubles match to clinch France's third Fed Cup championship and ignite a joyous celebration.Mladenovic, who opened the weekend crushing Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1, 6-1, staked France to a 2-1 lead stunning the top-ranked Barty in the first reverse singles match to set the stage for the crucial doubles triumph.Photo credit: AP]]>
