Former World No.5 Tommy Robredo has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open. The thirty-five year-old veteran would not have featured in the main draw as his current ranking of No.164 is well below the entry cut-off.
He had been expected to feature in the qualifying tournament, but has been forced to withdraw with a lower back issue.
AO Update: Tommy Robredo has pulled out of #AusOpen qualifying with lower back issues. We wish him well.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 5, 2018
Robredo reached the second round last year. He edged Malek Jaziri in the first round before losing to former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic in three close sets. His best win in Melbourne was when he defeated then World No.9 Richard Gasquet in 2014.
Robredo joins a lengthy list of players who will not feature in either qualifying or the main draw. Andy Murray, and Kei Nishikori are confirmed out with injuries. Thomaz Bellucci is still serving a five-month ban.
There are ongoing concerns regarding the fitness of World No.1 Rafael Nadal and six-time former Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, who have been struggling with knee and elbow problems respectively, though neither player has suggested that they will not play in Melbourne as of yet.
On the women’s side defending champion Serena Williams will not play, and neither will Timea Bacsinszky.
