Personal reasons force Henin-Hardenne out of Aussie Open

SYDNEY, Australia -- Justine Henin-Hardenne has withdrawn from the Australian Open for undisclosed personal reasons.

"I have to withdraw from the Australian tournaments for personal family reasons," the 24-year-old Belgian player said on her website. "I will review my calendar and get back to you with more news. I thank you in advance for respecting my decision and my privacy."

On Friday, in a statement posted on the WTA Tour website, Henin-Hardenne said the personal reasons "require my full attention."

"I hope my fans and others are able to understand that because this is a personal matter, I'm not comfortable providing any more detail at this time. If and when the time is right, I will provide additional detail."

Australian Open spokesman John Lindsay had confirmed earlier Thursday that Henin-Hardenne -- the No. 1-ranked women's player in the world -- withdrew from the tournament that begins Jan. 15 in Melbourne. She was the runner-up last year.

Top-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne will miss '07's first major. (Getty Images)

Lindsay said Australian Open officials checked with the women's tennis tour after the Henin-Hardenne withdrew earlier Thursday from next week's Sydney International and were told Henin-Hardenne would not be playing in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year either.

Sydney International tournament director Craig Watson said senior officials from the WTA Tour informed them of Henin-Hardenne's decision on Thursday.

"I was told the withdrawal was for personal reasons," Watson said. "Obviously we are very disappointed; Justine is our defending champion.

"I believe she is quite upset and we certainly wish her the best and hope she is able to return to the courts very soon."

Amelie Mauresmo, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon last year, will take over as the top seed for the Sydney tournament which begins Monday.

Henin-Hardenne, 24, won the French Open last season and reached the final at the three other majors before capping 2006 with a win in the season-ending WTA Tour Championship.

She had a 60-8 record in 2006.