Austria's world number 27 Jurgen Melzer on Saturday withdrew from the Australian Open with a shoulder injury.
“Unfortunately I have to withdraw from this year's Australian Open due to my ongoing left shoulder problems. I will be back next year!!!,” tweeted the 32-year-old.
“I will miss one of my favorite tournaments and it's top class fans!”
Melzer has not played since a second round loss to Japan's Kei Nishikori at the Shanghai Masters in October.
The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, gets underway in Melbourne on January 13. – AFP