Berlin, Dec 30: German Nicolas Kiefer is a doubtful starter for the Australian Open beginning on January 13 because of a heel injury.
The 25-year-old yesterday said he had sustained a hairline fracture in his left heel while training in Monte Carlo and would have to wear a plaster cast until January 5.
German number one Tommy Haas has withdrawn from the Australian Open, the first grand slam tournament of the year, after surgery on an injured shoulder.

Bureau Report