Injured Mauresmo, Li Na pull from Sydney

The Frenchwoman who won Grand Slam titles in Melbourne and Wimbledon two years ago was joined by China's Li Na in withdrawing.

 Mauresmo is suffering with a left adductor strain while Li has a knee injury. Mauresmo underwent appendix surgery last February and missed several months of play while recovering.

 "It's very disappointing to me that I won't be able to compete in Sydney this year," Mauresmo said in a statement. "Unfortunately I have re-injured my left adductor.

 "I felt it yesterday during my training session and did not practise today.

 "This is an injury that I am familiar with and know that it will not get better overnight.  I know that I would not be 100 per cent fit and ready to play on Monday.

 "I have to take a few days to rest in order for it to get better."

   Li, last player directly into the main draw and a 2007 semi-finalist, said: "The problem with my knee seemed to get a little worse after I tried to practise this morning and I just could not move very well."

   Both face a rush to fitness with the Australian Open starting a week from Monday.