Shoulder injury rules Kokkinakis out of Australian Open

Home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis will not feature at the Australian Open next month after being forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.

The 19-year-old Australian achieved his highest ATP ranking in 2015 after reaching the last 32 at the French Open, Kokkinakis climbing to world number 69.

A frustrating end to the season saw him slip to 80, and his chances of improving that standing have been put on hold with news he will require surgery.

"I'm shattered to let you all know I'm still having issues with my shoulder and won't be able to play any of the events in Australia," he posted on Instagram.

"My team and I had hoped a good rest at the end of the season would fix the problem, but it now turns out I'll need to have some minor surgery and will be out for the next few months.

"I'm confident this is just a small setback and having it done now is the best option for the long term.

"I was really pumped for the Aussie summer, and looking forward to playing in Adelaide, Brisbane and especially the Aussie Open, so I'm pretty devastated I'll miss my favourite events of the year.

"For now I will focus on doing everything I can to recover and get back on the court as quickly as possible. I believe I can come back better and stronger."