French number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Thursday pulled out of January's mixed team Hopman Cup in Australia due to an arm injury, organisers said.
Tsonga, who with partner Alize Cornet won the tournament this year, said he was disappointed at not being able to defend the title.
"I'm disappointed I have to withdraw from the Hopman Cup as I was looking forward to returning to Perth to play with Alize," said the world number 12.
"But a persisting injury to my arm has given me no choice but to withdraw from the event."
It is not clear if he will be able fit for the Australian Open, which is held after the Hopman Cup.
Serena Williams and Andy Murray are the star attractions at the Hopman Cup, which involves teams from Australia, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, United States, France, Great Britain and Canada.
Source: AFP