American tennis star Sofia Kenin undergoes appendix surgeon four days after losing in Australian Open

Sofia Kenin has had her appendix surgically removed in Melbourne – just four days after she was dethroned as the women’s singles champion.

The American won her maiden Slam 13 months ago when she beat Spaniard Garbine Muguruza in the final on the Rod Laver Arena.

Sofia Kenin says she struggled with pressure and expectation of being the reigning Aussie Open champion

Yet Kenin admits she has struggled with the expectation and pressure since then, and she burst into tears when she was defeated 6-3 6-2 by world No.65 Kaia Kanepi from Estonia in the second round.

On Monday, having lost in the second round of the WTA Phillip Island Trophy, the 22-year-old started suffering acute plan and required medical attention at a local hospital.

Kenin revealed on her Twitter account: “Hey guys! I want to share with you what happened to me a few days ago.

“I went to the tournament physician office on Monday February 15 with acute abdominal pain.

“I was evaluated by the tournament physician and referred to the hospital for further evaluation.

“Acute appendicitis was diagnosed following the completion of my CT scan. I had to have surgery and had my appendix removed on Monday, February 15, at Epworth Hospital Richmond.

The American underwent surgery to remove her appendix after suffering acute abdominal pain

Karolina Muchova has reached the semi-finals of a Slam for the first time

“I want to thank everyone at Epworth Hospital Richmond for taking good care of me!”

Fans will be allowed back on Melbourne Park after the five-day Statewide lockdown restrictions were finally lifted but masks will be required.

Crowds will be capped at 7,477 for each session, which is 50% of capacity according to boss Craig Tiley.

Yet the home fans won’t be watching their favourite Ash Barty, who was beaten in the quarter-finals 1-6 6-3 6-2 by Karolina Muchova.

It was a controversial win as the Czech player took a timeout after the third game of the second set when she was losing 6-1 2-1.

Muchova, the No.25 seed, revealed she was suffering with dizziness and needed treatment backstage.

The break worked to her benefit and she returned to the court to win 12 of the next 14 games to knock out the world No.1.

Barty, 24, refused to criticise her opponent, saying tennis timeout are “within the rules”.

In the semi-finals, Muchova will now play Jennifer Brady, who won the all-American battle against Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-2 6-1.

It means that there will be a Slam final debutant on Saturday against either Naomi Osaka or Serena Williams.