Sore back forces Federer from Doha

Jan 6, 2012, 14:30 GMT

Doha, Qatar - Holder Roger Federer was forced to pull out before his semi-final at the ATP event in Doha on Friday, with the Swiss trying to cure a sore back with just over a week to go before the start of the Australian Open.

The 30-year-old who had won 20 straight matches since last November, was unable to take to the court against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a bid to win a second straight trophy in the Gulf.

The Frenchman, who benefited from a walkover, will play the winner from Rafael Nadal or Gael Monfils for the title.

Federer, 30, who rarely gets injured, had played through pain this week as he won while carrying the problem. He will now face a race to fitness before the January 16 start of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The Swiss called the injury 'not crazy-bad, but not good.'

'This is not the time to risk anything. I'm optimistic for Australia. I'll get through it without playing and with treatment. Hopefully by next week I'll be 100 per cent again.'

The injury is the first of the season for a major player on the men's side after injury problems this week for Serena Williams (ankle), Maria Sharapova (the same) and Kim Clijsters who had to quit a match in Brisbane with a hip flexor injury.

In Australia, Federer will be bidding for his first grand Slam title since winning the Open in January, 2010, his 16th career major.

Read more about Doha

Read more about Federer