Robin Soderling has confirmed that he will miss the Australian Open in January as he continues to battle glandular fever.
The former world number four began the 2011 season in dominant fashion, winning titles in Brisbane, Rotterdam and Marseille but he was out of sorts at Wimbledon and has been suffering with mononucleosis since July.
He last played at the Swedish Open in Bastad where he won his tenth title, crushing David Ferrer in straight sets. It's been a frustrating layoff for the Swede who had initially hoped to recover in time for the indoor season.
“I am very sorry for being away for so long and for not giving many updates but my recovery has been longer than expected,” Soderling told his fans on Facebook. “I am feeling better with each day but it will still take some time before I can start practicing in full speed.”
“My goal is to start with practice in January and I hope for a tournament comeback in February. But at this stage, it is hard to know when and where. I hope my body will allow me to do that.”
Soderling is just the latest high-profile player to fall victim to 'mono.' Roger Federer battled the illness in 2008 and Andy Roddick was also kept out of action with it in 2010.
