American seed Isner out of Australian Open

American world number 13 John Isner has withdrawn from next week's Australian Open with a knee injury, tournament organisers said on Thursday.

The big-serving Isner, who was seeded 12 at the first Grand Slam of the season, injured his right knee during the Hopman Cup in Perth last week and was forced to withdraw from the event.

He had further problems during his straight-sets loss to fellow American Ryan Harrison in his first match at the Sydney International on Wednesday.

Open organisers said Isner had bone bruising in his knee.

"Doctors have told me that continuing to play on the knee could result in a more serious injury," Isner said.

"I will need to take time off somewhere. That's a given. It's not just going to heal. I can't play all the way through and have it heal."

Isner will be replaced in Friday's Open main draw by a lucky loser from the last round of qualifying.
 

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