Petkovic out of Australian Open

Andrea Petkovic has pulled out of the Australian Open due to a back injury.

The German player, who was due to be 10th seed for the draw, broke the news on Twitter.

She wrote: "Sorry to anounce that I had to withdraw from the Australian Open with a lower back stress fracture. Going back home,will miss my Aussie fans!"

Petkovic was beaten by Agnieszka Radwanska in the Sydney International yesterday and needed to receive treatment from the trainer during that match.

The 24-year-old made the last eight in last year's Australian Open and follows former finalist Venus Williams in pulling out of this year's tournament.