Tennis: Safarova in hospital with bacterial infection

French Open finalist Lucie Safarova has been hospitalised in the Czech Republic with a bacterial infection. PHOTO: AFP

PRAGUE (AFP) - French Open finalist Lucie Safarova has been hospitalised in the Czech Republic with a bacterial infection, with no timetable for her return to the court.

"So happy to be ranked fifth this week. Unfortunately it's been really hard month for me. Injury and now fighting bacteria infection in hospital!" Safarova posted on her Facebook page along with a photo from the hospital in Brno on Wednesday.

"But I will fight hard to be back soon!" she added.

Czech Fed Cup spokesperson Karel Tejkal played down concerns that Safarova could miss the final against Russia on Nov 14-15, saying her illness "does not call into question her participation".

The 28-year-old reached her first Grand Slam singles final at Roland Garros in June before losing to Serena Williams in three sets.

She also won the Australian Open and French Open doubles titles alongside American Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.