• ATP Tour

Soderling out of Australian Open

ESPN staff
December 8, 2011
Robin Soderling has been out of action since July © PA Photos
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Robin Soderling will miss the Australian Open as he continues his recovery from illness.

The world No. 13 has not played since July after being diagnosed with mononucleosis and was unable to play in the US Open after failing to recover in time.

He had hoped to play in his home event in Stockholm in October, but was forced to bring a premature end to his season as he struggled with the effects of the virus.

The Swede, a two-time French Open finalist, had been enjoying a hugely successful season with four titles in the first half of 2011, but has slipped down the rankings after contracting the illness.

And Soderling's preparations for the 2012 season have been disrupted after the Swede revealed he is not yet ready to start training.

"My recovery has been longer than expected," Soderling said in a statement. "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 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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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