Amelie Mauresmo has withdrawn from the Sydney International event, just a week ahead of the Australian Open.
French star's Melbourne preparations hit by injury
Amelie Mauresmo has withdrawn from the Sydney International event, just a week ahead of the Australian Open.
The French star - who won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006 - has a left adductor strain which could force her to miss the trip to Melbourne.
"Unfortunately I have re-injured my left adductor," Mauresmo said. "I felt it yesterday during my training session and did not practice today.
"This is an injury that I am familiar with and know that it will not get better overnight."
Mauresmo has fallen to 18th in the world rankings after a testing time with injuries.
Also out of the Sydney tournament is China's Li Na, who has suffered a knee injury after winning the Australian Women's Hardcourt title on Saturday.
Comeback stalled
Li, the world number 24, had only just returned to action after missing six months with a rib injury.
In the first round action in Sydney, Australia's Alicia Molik suffered another early exit, beaten 7-6 7-6 by Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic.
Former world number eight Molik, a wildcard entrant in Sydney, had lost to Safarova in straight sets at the Hopman Cup only nine days ago.
Molik is attempting to rebuild her career after two years of illness and injuries and showed moments of real quality.
"Some days I play great in patches, often some days I'll be feeling the same as I did a couple of years ago but it's just a little patchy at the moment," she said.
"It's just a matter of playing at a higher level on a more consistent basis. I don't feel like I'm far from it."
