Defending champion Daniil Medvedev is the latest to withdraw from the Sydney International, joining reigning women’s title-holder Karolina Pliskova.

Medvedev admitted he was unsure whether he would defend his crown after reaching the Brisbane International final on Sunday night, when he lost to Kei Nishikori.

The world No.16’s pull-out comes hours after Pliskova also withdrew from the tournament following her triumph over Lesia Tsurenko, who was also opted not to participate last-minute, in the Brisbane decider.

The 22-year-old Russian was seeded second in the harbour city, opening the draw for Australian No.1 Alex de Minaur, who was in his quarter of the 32-man draw.

De Minaur, who was beaten by Medvedev in last year’s final, opens his campaign against Dusan Lajovic later on a rain-affected day two of the competition on Monday.

Greek world No.15 Stefanos Tsitsipas is the favourite to take out the men’s title.