James Blake has pulled out of Brisbane and the Australian Open with right knee trouble, TENNIS.com has learned. The 32-year-old American began the 2011 season ranked No. 135 and managed to push his ranking back up to No. 59 at the end of the season.
Blake, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2006, has been struggling with knee trouble for the past two years. After refusing to take anti-inflammatory medication in 2009 and for part of 2010, he decided to start using it in an attempt to revive his fortunes, and the swelling in his knee did begin to decrease. He also experienced shoulder trouble earlier this year, but did manage to win two Challenger titles. Blake is scheduled to return in San Jose in early February.
In other news, American Donald Young has pulled out of the tournament in Brisbane so he can have another week to prepare for the Australian Open.—Matt Cronin