Tired Wawrinka withdraws from Kooyong

Stanislas Wawrinka . AP FILE PHOTO

MELBOURNE – World number eight Stanislas Wawrinka was replaced in the draw at the Kooyong Classic on Thursday by Mikhail Youzhny after the Swiss withdrew citing fatigue.

Wawrinka had flown to Melbourne after winning the Chennai Open in India and played his opening match at the Australian Open warm-up event, losing in three sets to Frenchman Gilles Simon on Wednesday.

“Stan greatly regrets having to make this tough decision but he ultimately has to prepare best for the Australian Open that starts on Monday,” said a statement from his management team.

Russia’s Youzhny, ranked 15th in the world after two titles in 2013, will play against teenaged Australian Jordan Thompson, himself a replacement for Lleyton Hewitt, who withdrew after winning the Brisbane International.