Konta joins Halep in withdrawing from Palermo Open

Johanna Konta has withdrawn from next week's Palermo Open in Italy, the first tournament back on the WTA Tour since lockdown began in March.

The British No.1 was planning to play in the Sicilian city to prepare for the US Open starting at the end of August but will now focus on other events following her surprise defeat to Jodie Burrage at the Battle of the Brits Team Tennis tournament.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has also withdrawn from the Palermo line-up after Italy imposed a 14-day quarantine on people travelling from her homeland Romania. 

"Given the rise in cases in Romania and my anxieties around international air travel, I have made the tough decision to withdraw," the world No.2 said on Twitter.