Virus leads to Federer withdrawal

Roger Federer will be hoping to defend his Australian Open title

World number one Roger Federer has withdrawn from the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne because of a stomach virus.

The eight-man exhibition tournament is a warm-up for the Australian Open which begins on 14 January, with Federer hoping to retain his title.

"After arriving in Australia I came down with a stomach virus and it continued to get worse," said Federer.

Qatar Open winner Andy Murray does compete, but German Tommy Haas has also pulled out with a shoulder injury.

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Federer is yet to play this year, and will be rusty ahead of the defence of his Australian Open title.

"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," he added.