Australia’s Ebden out of Hopman Cup

West Australian Matt Ebden has become the fifth withdrawal from this year’s Hopman Cup after he failed to recover in time for Wednesday night’s clash with France.

Ebden injured his left calf during his three-set loss to Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz on Sunday night.

The 27-year-old was unable to front up for the mixed doubles and has been replaced in the Australian team by world No.77 Marinko Matosevic.

Matosevic became available after his 2-6 7-6 (7-0) 7-5 loss to American Steve Johnson in the opening round of the Brisbane International on Tuesday.

His first assignment will be against Frenchman Benoit Paire on Wednesday night.

The Hopman Cup had four players withdraw before the start of the tournament, with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, rising Australian star Nick Kyrgios, American Jack Sock and Radek Stepanek struck down by injury.

Organisers are hopeful Andy Murray, who is battling a sore left shoulder, doesn’t join that group.

Ebden said he was gutted to withdraw from his hometown event.

“While my calf has recovered really well, it’s probably not match fit to be able to play on Wednesday night,” Ebden said.

“I don’t want to take that risk for the tournament and my health.”

Meanwhile, West Australian Casey Dellacqua will be aiming to rebound from her straight sets loss to Agnieszka Radwanska when she takes on world No.18 Alize Cornet on Wednesday night.

Dellacqua was ravaged by foot and shoulder problems a few years ago, but the 29-year-old is enjoying her injury-free run of late and is looking forward to the Australian Open.

“It’s such a positive for me to be healthy,” the world No.29 said.

“It feels great to be out there and to be able to play freely and move and just find good court position without worrying about little niggles.

“I have had a great off-season and I have never had that opportunity (previously).

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