Andrea Petkovic withdraws from Australian Open

Andrea Petkovic has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Open with a back injury.

The 24-year-old suffered a stress fracture in her back during her recent Sydney International defeat to Agnieszka Radwanska.

"Sorry to announce that I had to withdraw from the Australian Open with a lower back stress fracture," Petkovic tweeted. "Going back home, will miss my Aussie fans."

Venus Williams has also pulled out of the first Grand Slam of the year due to health reasons.