China’s Zheng Jie pulls out of Australian Open

MELBOURNE - China’s number two women’s tennis player Zheng Jie Monday pulled out of next month’s Australian Open due to a wrist injury.

Jie, who has not played since the US Open, has been battling with her left wrist problem for months. Chinese media reported that the 27-year-old is out of the first Grand Slam of the year starting Jan 17.

The absence will hurt her WTA ranking as points from a 2010 semi-final drop from the computer.

“It is a hard decision for me to make,” Jie said on her Twitter account.

“I have plenty of good memories and experiences there.

“But I believe there will be more Australian Opens for me to attend if I can regain my health,” said the World No. 26.

Jie underwent surgery and missed the Asian Games, an important date for Chinese athletes. She is hoping to be fit for a February return, reported the Chinese media.