Federer out of Kooyong Classic

Roger Federer’s preparations for the Australian Open suffered a setback today when he was forced to withdraw from the Kooyong Classic with a stomach virus.

Federer, the world number one and two-time defending champion at the season-opening grand slam, has opted out of the build-up event in Melbourne on medical advice.

He said in a statement: “After trying to practice on Saturday afternoon, I went to see the doctors and they immediately performed a series of tests.

“The doctors have advised me that I should take a couple of days off and recuperate so that I am able to be 100% for the start of the Australian Open.”

Federer, who lost in the final of the Kooyong Classic to Andy Roddick last year, hopes to resume training on Wednesday.

German Tommy Haas has also withdrawn with his place being taken by Russian Nikolay Davydenko.

A replacement for Federer has yet to be announced.