Federer withdraws from Kooyong Classic

From Herald-Sun:

ROGER Federer’s Australian Open campaign has been disrupted after he was forced to pull out of the Kooyong Classic because of a virus.

Federer is battling a stomach virus and doctors have advised him to rest for a couple of days.

While the Swiss world No. 1 is not immediately in doubt for the Open, starting on Monday, he reluctantly pulled out of the eight-man AAMI Classic, which starts tomorrow.

Federer has not been able to shrug off the virus since arriving in Melbourne at the weekend.

He’s awaiting the results of medical tests conducted yesterday.

Federer’s no-risk policy left promoter Colin Stubs desperately searching for another replacement last night after earlier losing German Tommy Haas to precautions with shoulder soreness.

“He has been advised not to play until he finds out the results of the tests. To lose a bloke like Federer is always tough, but I’ve just looked at the field and we’ve still got five of the top 10,” Stubs said.

Federer, chasing a fourth Australian Open title, has always used the guaranteed three matches at Kooyong to complete preparations for Melbourne Park.