Former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian has had to withdraw from the Australian Open because of injury.

The 28-year-old had been out for eight months after hip surgery but was planning to make his comeback in the year's first Grand Slam in Melbourne.

However, strained abdominal muscles have put paid to that hope and the Argentine has been forced to pull out of the event after suffering the injury while preparing for a match in a warm-up tournament in New Zealand.

Nalbandian responded positively to the setback, stating: "Although I am disappointed at the moment, I remain confident and positive about making a full-time comeback to the tour soon."

Those suffering muscular strains after a serious injury may find that using ultrasound treatment aids recovery.

Nalbandian turned professional as a tennis player and became the first Argentine to reach the final of Wimbledon in 2002, when he lost to Australian Lleyton Hewitt.