Hingis out of Aussie Open

Martina Hingis has withdrawn from next month's Australian Open because of a persistent ankle injury.

Hingis underwent surgery on the ankle in May and has not regained the form which carried her to five Grand Slam victories.

Her absence in Melbourne will deny the former world number one the chance to break the record for consecutive final appearances in the open era.

The 22-year-old Swiss has played in the last six Australian finals, winning each year from 1997 to 1999.

She lost to Jennifer Capriati last January despite holding four match points.