Brazil’s Joao Fonseca pulls out of the Adelaide International due to back pain, casting doubt on his Australian Open preparation.
BRAZILLIAN teenager Joao Fonseca has withdrawn from next week’s Adelaide International due to a back injury.
The world number 29 also missed the recent Brisbane International, disrupting his Australian Open preparation.
“It was difficult to make this decision,” the 19-year-old said.
“After some days of practice I was feeling better, but I can’t say I’m at 100 percent.”
Fonseca, who won titles in Basel and Buenos Aires last season, is prioritising recovery for the season’s first Grand Slam.
“We did an MRI and the problem is nothing very serious,” he added.
“We want to be 100 percent safe. We know it could have been worse.”
The Australian Open begins on January 18. – AFP