Home hopes dealt blow as Alex de Minaur pulls out of Australian Open

Top-ranked local hope Alex de Minaur has pulled out of the Australian Open after he was unable to overcome an abdominal injury that flared during the ATP Cup.

The 20-year-old withdrew from the Adelaide International on Monday after he aggravated the injury while playing five matches in an intense ATP Cup schedule.

He has undergone daily treatment in a bid to play in next week’s season-opening grand slam but confirmed on Thursday that he would not be fit to take part.

More to follow.

source: theguardian.com