Friday 25 March 2016 19:52, UK
Roger Federer has withdrawn from the Miami Open after suffering from a stomach virus.
The current world No 3 was due to face Juan Martin Del Potro in a second round match but has been forced to pull out of the tournament after reportedly suffering gastroenteritis.
Friday's match would have been Federer's first since his semi-final loss to world No 1 Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January.
The 34-year-old Swiss was forced to undergo corrective surgery after injuring his knee the day after his loss to the Serb in Melbourne.
"I am very sorry that I have to pull out of the Miami Open with a stomach virus," Federer said in a statement on Friday.
"I feel bad for the tournament and the fans as I have rarely ever had to withdraw at such short notice.
"I have not felt great for a few days, and unfortunately it got worse in the last 24 hours. I was really excited to have my comeback in Miami but I am in no condition to play.
I tried to warm up this morning, but it was clear that I could not compete."
The 17-time Grand Slam champion will now be replaced by Argentinian 'lucky loser' Horacio Zeballos in the main draw of the tournament.
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