The Australian Open lost another of its biggest names today when last year's winner Marat Safin pulled out.
The Russian's withdrawal came a day after French Open champion Rafael Nadal announced he would not be playing in Melbourne.
Safin succumbed to the long-term knee injury that has troubled him since Wimbledon while Nadal withdrew because of a foot problem that has plagued him since the end of last year.
Safin is the first men's champion not to defend his Australian Open title since Andre Agassi pulled out of the 2002 tournament with a wrist problem. Agassi, a staunch supporter of the Australian Open when many other top players didn't make the trip Down Under, has also withdrawn from this year's event because of an ankle injury.
Greg Rusedski and Alicia Molik have also pulled out of the Open, starting in Melbourne next week, while several other top players are in doubt.
Safin's sister, Dinara Safina, former world number one Carlos Moya and Sweden's 2002 Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson all retired from this week's Sydney International because of injuries.
It is not unusual for top players to miss the Australian Open through injuries suffered the previous season and the latest drop-outs are sure to increase calls to move the tournament to a later date.
Last year's absentees included defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne, Kim Clijsters and Jennifer Capriati, the 2001 and 2002 winner.
