OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA (TICKER) — With two-time defending champion Venus Williams sidelined since November due to injury, fellow American Monica Seles makes her return after a lengthy absence at this week’s $170,000 IGA Superthrift Tennis Classic.
Seles has been out of action since last September with a stress fracture in her right foot. The injury forced her to miss the season-ending Chase Championships in November and the Australian Open last month.
The 26-year-old Seles has 44 career singles titles, with her most recent coming at Amelia Island, Florida last April. A former world No. 1, Seles has seen her WTA Tour ranking slip to No. 14 due to her inactivity.
Seeded second, Seles received a bye into the second round. She plays her first match on Tuesday night against qualifier Francesca Lubiani of Italy, who posted a 6-3, 6-2 win over Jana Nejedly of Canada in today’s first round.