American seed Isner out of Australian Open

SYDNEY (AFP) –

American John Isner returns a shot against compatriot Ryan Harrison at the Sydney International on January 9, 2013. The world number 13 Isner has withdrawn from next week’s Australian Open with a knee injury, tournament organisers said on Thursday.

American world number 13 John Isner has withdrawn from next week’s Australian Open with a knee injury, tournament organisers said.

The big-serving Isner, who was seeded 12 at the first Grand Slam of the season, injured his right knee during the Hopman Cup in Perth last week and was forced to withdraw from the event.

He had further problems during his straight-sets loss to fellow American Ryan Harrison in his first match at the Sydney International on Wednesday.

Open organisers said Isner had bone bruising in his knee.

“I am extremely disappointed to announce that I have to withdraw from the Australian Open,” Isner said in a statement.

“I have been feeling some discomfort in my knee and have recently learned that I have a bone bruise.

“My doctors have told me that continuing to play on the knee could result in a more serious injury, so I have regrettably decided not to compete in Melbourne and use the time to fully recover.”

Isner will be replaced in Friday’s Open main draw by a lucky loser from the last round of qualifying.