Soderling to skip Melbourne

Robin Soderling has been ruled out of the Australian Open as he struggles to recover from mononucleosis.

Swede still battling effects of glandular fever

Robin Soderling has been ruled out of the Australian Open in the new year as he struggles to recover from mononucleosis. The virus, better known as glandular fever, struck the Swede after he won on clay in Bastad in July - his fourth title in what was turning into a stellar season. Twice a runner-up at the French Open, the 27-year-old must now focus on returning to good health in time for another tilt at the Roland Garros title next spring. "My recovery has been longer than expected," the world number 13 wrote on his Twitter account. "I am feeling better with each day but it will still take some time before I can start practising in full speed. "My goal is to start with practice in January and I hope for a tournament comeback in February but at this stage it is hard to know when and where. I hope my body will allow me to do that."