Post-concussion syndrome forces Casey Dellacqua out of Australian Open

Dellacqua fell heavily during China Open in October, and was hospitalized.

New Delhi: Casey Dellacqua has been forced to withdraw from the next month's season opening Grand Slam Australian Open due to a concussion she sustained at the China Open in October.

The Aussie double specialist's manager Sam Maxwell said on Friday that 30-year-old has been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, putting her playing future in doubt.

Dellacqua, who reached two doubles Grand Slam finals in 2015, fell heavily during the Beijing tournament and was hospitalized. She returned to Australia for treatment, hopeful of a quick recovery.

"Casey is still experiencing headaches, neck pain and is still not in a position where she is able to train to the level required to be able to play professional tennis," Maxwell added.

She will also miss the Hopman Cup in Perth -- where she was scheduled to partner Lleyton Hewitt. Jarmila Gajdosova has been chosen as her replacement for the mixed-team event.

Australian Open will start on January 18.

(With Agency inputs)