• In the first round, Shelby Rogers lost 6–0, 6–0 to Andrea Petkovic, hardly unexpected given Rogers’s physical condition. She had to be taken from the court in a wheelchair during a tune-up and took the court in London wearing a large brace that gave her all the mobility of Stonehenge. It gives rise to an interesting philosophical and ethical debate: Does an injured player have an obligation to withdraw when they are obviously in no shape to compete, giving another player a chance and the fans a competitive match? Or do they earn that first loser’s check (roughly $43,000) and with it the right to show up with no intention of winning? The obvious solution: The majors, which make so much money it's pocket change, offer main draw players the right to a full refund. That is, “We’ll give you full first-round prize money if you pull out.” Better than these matches that aren't competitive.
But that money has to come from somewhere doesn't it. Yes majors could easily afford it.
It's a tough issue imo, because you can't blame the players, and I don't think this solution is viable.