Muguruza gets Sydney wildcard after Brisbane pull-out

World number two Garbine Muguruza accepted a wildcard into the Sydney International Thursday to get match fit after retiring with severe cramp from a tournament this week. The Wimbledon champion was ahead 2-1 in the deciding set against Serbia's Aleksandra Krunic in the second round of the season-opening Brisbane International when she collapsed after a serve. The Spaniard could not continue, derailing her Australian Open preparations.

Garbine Muguruza accepts Sydney wildcard after early Brisbane exit.https://t.co/4xNTEmf7vk pic.twitter.com/BqEzqJQ29n

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 4, 2018

"This wildcard is a very valuable opportunity for me get back on the court and hopefully play a few more matches before the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne," said Muguruza. "The Sydney draw is incredibly strong and there will be no easy matches."

Garbine Muguruza accepts Sydney International wildcard to prepare for Australian Open

- https://t.co/dNzAc8MFUR pic.twitter.com/TyBcgCzIFQ

— The Field (@thefield_in) January 4, 2018

Muguruza joins reigning French and US Open champions Jelena Ostapenko and Sloane Stephens in the draw for the Sydney tournament, starting Sunday. Venus Williams, Petra Kvitova, and Angelique Kerber will also play.