Richard Gasquet pulls out of Australian Open

Richard Gasquet. File photo

Melbourne: World No. 9 Richard Gasquet has pulled out of the Australian Open with a back injury, organisers said on Wednesday.

"Sorry to report that @richardgasquet1 has withdrawn from the #AusOpen with a back injury. We wish him a speedy recovery," organisers said on their Twitter account.

The 29-year-old Frenchman, a Wimbledon semifinalist and quarterfinalist at the US Open, has long suffered back problems and aggravated the injury while playing in exhibition tournaments this month.

(With inputs from Agencies)