Injury setback for Sorensen as Australian Open looming

Tennis: Louk Sorensen has suffered a blow to his preparations for this month’s Australian Open after being forced to retire during his first match in the New Year.

After receiving a bye in the opening round of the qualifying draw in the Happy Valley ATP Challenger Tour event in Adelaide, the Irish No 2 called it a day when trailing Australia’s Jacob Grills 6-3 1-0.

Just 39 minutes had elapsed in his second round match when No 4 seed Sorensen decided it would be unwise to continue because of a back injury.