Ivanovic hurt, Belgium replaces Serbia in Hopman Cup final

PERTH, Australia -- Ana Ivanovic has withdrawn from the Hopman Cup due to an abdominal strain, costing Serbia its place in the final.

Scans taken Friday showed Ivanovic sustained a significant strain in her match against Justine Henin on Thursday. The former world No. 1 was due to compete for Serbia alongside Novak Djokovic in Saturday's final, but halted her practice session Friday morning.

According to Hopman Cup rules, injury substitutions are allowed in round-robin play but not for the final, so Serbia will be replaced by group runner-up Belgium.

Belgium will face either France or the U.S. France defeated Italy 2-0 on Friday. Kristina Mladenovic was awarded a victory after Francesca Schiavone retired with a groin injury at 4-4 in the first set, before Nicolas Mahut beat Potito Starace 6-3, 7-6 (2).

The Americans were to take on Britain later Friday needing to win only one match out of three to move above France and reach the final. Bethanie Mattek-Sands will face Britain's Laura Robson, followed by John Isner against Andy Murray, then the mixed doubles.

Ivanovic was expected to reveal further details of her injury later Friday. She had been due to compete at the WTA event in Sydney next week to further prepare for the Australian Open in Melbourne later this month.