Ana Ivanovic withdrew from next week's Sydney International on Friday because of a minor stomach muscle tear, but remains optimistic that she will be fit for the Australian Open.
The 23-year-old Serb also had to pull out of Saturday's Hopman Cup final after suffering the injury during her loss to Belgium's Justine Henin the previous day.
''It's definitely a scare a little bit,'' Ivanovic said. ''I have to stay positive, at least I have a week before the (Australian) Open.
''The chances (of recovery) are good at this moment because I stopped in time, it is still a minor tear, but I want to try and do everything possible to compete, I'm positive I will be fit in 10 days to play.''
The Australian Open begins Jan. 17 in Melbourne. Ivanovic said she will ask the tournament organizers for a late start, although acknowledged that it will most likely depend on the draw.
Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic had qualified for the Hopman Cup final by finishing top of a group including Belgium, Australia and Kazakhstan.
However, tournament rules do not allow replacements in the final, so Belgium will face the United States instead.
''I am very disappointed, and obviously shattered,'' Ivanovic said. ''We fought hard to get here and we had a chance in the final and I felt really bad for Novak.''
Ivanovic topped the rankings in 2008 after winning the French Open, her lone Grand Slam title to date. She has since struggled with her form and fitness, but showed signs of recovery late last season.
