Davydenko out of Australian Open

Russian world No.5 Nikolay Davydenko has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an inflammation of his left heel.

The decision came after the 27-year-old pulled out prior to Wednesday's second-round match against Czech wildcard Lukas Dlouhy at the Chennai Open.

The Australian Open, which is the first Grand Slam of the new season, begins in Melbourne on January 19.

"The first time I felt this pain was during the Kremlin Cup in Moscow," said Davydenko.

"Whenever I take a few days off it starts getting better. But as soon as I've played a match the pain comes back. I have got pain killers but it still was very painful. I cannot imagine playing a match with this injury in Australia if I feel this bad after playing two sets in Chennai."

"I will now fly home, see the doctors and do an MRI to get more information. My plan is to rest and try to play again in Rotterdam. It is very disappointing but as the doctors told me there's nothing you can do right now."