Kevin Anderson ruled out of Australian Open

Kevin Anderson has confirmed he will miss the Australian Open as he continues his rehabilitation from a hip injury.

The giant South African, who briefly broke into the ATP Tour’s top 10 towards the end of 2015, has seen his ranking tumble as a result of multiple fitness issues.

Now the world number 67, Anderson announced via Twitter on Sunday that he will not be ready for the year’s first grand slam, which begins at Melbourne Park on January 16.

“Unfortunately I’ve just made the very tough decision to withdraw from the Australian Open this year,” wrote the 30-year-old – who will be replaced in the men’s singles draw by Chung Hyeon.

“I am still recovering from an injury sustained last year, but things are looking much better and I will be back in competition soon.”

Gutted to be missing @AustralianOpen this year… pic.twitter.com/WVrXGsF01J

— Kevin Anderson (@kevinanderson18) January 8, 2017

Kevin #Anderson is still recovering from a hip injury & has had to withdraw from #AusOpen. Hyeon #Chung moves into MD.

— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 8, 2017