Svetlana Kuznetsova withdrew from her quarterfinal clash with Ai Sugiyama at the Medibank International Sydney, which leaves her appearance at the Australian Open in doubt.

The Russian world No.8 suffered an abdominal strain in her second round win over Kaia Kanepi on Tuesday.

"I felt it a little bit before, but I thought, well, it's just tight muscle. Now, every time I start to pull, it feels worse and worse. Yesterday I could manage to finish and win the match [but] I went to warm-up today and it was worse," said Kuznetsova, disappointed she sustained an injury so close to the Australian Open.

Kuznetsova will try to slowly recover and hopefully be ready for Melbourne. She had the similar injury before, having played the 2006 French Open with the same problem. (source: Australian Open, photo by our reader Jacob)

In the middle of our worries about why Maria Sharapova hasn’t landed on a plane to Australia yet, the withdrawal of the reigning Australian Open champion from this year’s event hits the news.

The 21-year-old Sharapova still hasn’t completely overcome her shoulder injury troubles, which prevented her from playing competitive tennis since August.

"I am very sorry to announce that I am not going to be able to defend my title at this year's Australian Open," the Russian said in a statement.

"My shoulder is doing great but I just started training a few weeks ago and I am just not near the level I need to be to compete at the highest levels."

The world No.9 Sharapova didn't play the recently-finished JB Group Classic exhibition event citing the same reasons.

Thank you Pat for being the first to tell me about this piece of news. Oh, the 2009 season hasn't started well. Sharapova will not be there to defend her title, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic are both sick, what's next? (source: Reuters, image: Tennis Photos)

We’re in the middle of the global financial crisis and the Australian Open is increasing prize money. Apparently, the crisis won’t hit everyone the same.

The singles finalists of the 2009 Australian Open will receive more money than ever before. The total prize money for the Grand Slam will be A$23.4 million (US$15.7 million), an increase of 12.3 per cent on last year, with the bulk going to the champions and the runner-ups. Both singles champions will receive a record A$2 million while the runners-up will each earn A$1 million.

"We believe that A$2 million is an appropriate reward for winning the biggest sporting event in the world in January," Tennis Australia Chief Executive Steve Wood said.

Organizers had already announced in October they were lifting the first prize amounts, but decided to raise it again to counter the drop in exchange rates.

The Australian Open starts on January 19th in Melbourne. (source: Reuters)

Tennis stars from Serbia, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic, are welcoming the new season with tough losses and illness.

Jankovic is lacking match practice ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, having played only one singles match in 2009.

"I have been feeling weak and sick for a couple of days," said Jankovic, who pulled out of the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong with flu. "I really have been trying my best to go on the court but I feel slow."

The world number one, still seeking her first Grand Slam title, added: "It's disappointing because I take care to try to play some matches and try to work on my game and get ready for the big Grand Slams but sometimes it's bad luck. What can I do?"  Oh, poor JJ.

As for the world number five Ivanovic, she has been suffering from stomach illness, and partly blames it for her quarterfinal loss to Amelie Mauresmo at the Brisbane International.

The 21-year-old, who has already arrived in Melbourne, said she would rest before playing practice matches to build momentum for the Australian Open.

"I had a little bit of a stomach illness but now I feel better," Ivanovic said.

"I think it was very long match the night before. It was hot and humid and I was dehydrated and just felt very dizzy. But I'm feeling OK.

"I'll have a few days off just to calm down. I don't want to take anything away from Amelie, because she played a great match and is a great player."

Despite health problems, Ivanovic is certain she will enter the Australian Open well-prepared.

I wish both Jelena and Ana fast recovery! It would be a shame if they weren't able to play their best at the Australian Open. (sources: BBC, Herald Sun, photos: Ralf Reinecke)

Ana Ivanovic was upset by Amelie Mauresmo in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International, but the Serb is not giving up and has already landed in Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open.

By the way, Ana is looking awesome in casual jeans and black tank top. (via Forty Deuce)