Varvara Lepchenko had a fever during her third-round match at the Australian Open and even paid a visit to the hospital. The American, who lost to Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-0 7-5, received a medical timeout after the first set, feeling the chills.
The world No. 30 said her doctor advised her not to play because it was dangerous, but she decided to play, thinking she wouldn't feel that bad when she stepped on court. Lepchenko's diagnosis was pleurisy, or inflammation surrounding the lungs.
Lepchenko is scheduled to play for the United States in Fed Cup World Group II play in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Feb. 7-8. Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Madison Keys are expected to be the other members of the team.