Muguruza pulls out of Sydney International after win

Sydney: Spain's world number three Garbine Muguruza was forced out of the Sydney International with an injury following her win over Kiki Bertens on Wednesday.

A week after retiring from the Brisbane International with cramps, leading Australian Open contender Muguruza had an early medical timeout for a thigh injury before beating Bertens 6-3, 7-6 (8-6).

But the win came at a cost. The Wimbledon champion later announced she would be pulling out of the tournament, handing Australian Daria Gavrilova direct passage to the semifinals.

Muguruza's decision comes less than a week out from the Australian Open in Melbourne.

"I am disappointed but I have talked to the WTA doctors and my team after the match today and following their recommendation, I have to withdraw from the tournament," Muguruza said.

"I have felt pain in my right adductor since I started practising here.

"Yesterday I felt better and wanted to play. However, during the match today the pain has been there all the time but I wanted to compete."