Gasquet to miss Australian Open

Frenchman Richard Gasquet will miss next month's Australian Open in Melbourne because of a back injury, the tournament announced on Tuesday.

Richard Gasquet aggravated his back problem in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).

Frenchman Richard Gasquet will miss next month's Australian Open in Melbourne because of a back injury, the tournament announced on Tuesday. "Sorry to report that @richardgasquet1 has withdrawn for the #AusOpen with a back injury. We wish him a speedy recovery," read a post on the tournament's Twitter account, which was then retweeted by the player himself.

Sorry to report that >@richardgasquet1 has withdrawn from the >#AusOpen with a back injury. We wish him a speedy recovery.

— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) >December 29, 2015

Gasquet, the world number nine, had already pulled out of next week's season-opening Qatar Open, where he won the 2013 title, after aggravating his long-standing back problem at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) exhibition event.

The 2016 Australian Open runs from January 18-31.