13 January 2017 | Alex Sharp

Local young gun Thanasi Kokkinakis has withdrawn from the men’s singles at Australian Open 2017.

Kokkinakis partnered fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson to clinch the men’s doubles title at the Brisbane International last week.

However, the 20-year-old has unfortunately struggled with injuries during the past 15 months and was a late withdrawal from the Sydney International with an abdominal strain.

It is unclear whether he will play in the doubles when the Australian Open starts at Melbourne Park on Monday.

Tournament director Craig Tilley said on Friday that Kokkinakis would be replaced by a “lucky loser” from the qualifying draw.

Everybody at Tennis Australia wishes Thanasi a swift recovery and we look forward to his return to competitive action.