Soderling pulls out of 2012 Australian Open

Former world number four Robin Soderling of Sweden has officially pulled out of the 2012 Australian Open as he continues to recover from mononucleosis, a condition that has kept him out of the tennis scene since July 2011.

Prior to his break from tennis, Soderling won his 10th career title at the SkiStar Swedish Open.

“I am very sorry for being away for so long and for not giving many updates but my recovery has been longer than expected,” Soderling wrote on his Facebook page.

“I am feeling better with each day but it will still take some time before I can start practicing in full speed,” he added.

Soderling stated that he plans to return in February which gives him time to recover and practice in January.

Soderling had a strong start in the beginning of the 2011, having won 20 out of his 21 matches and saw him winning three consecutive titles.