Indian ace tennis star Somdev Devvarman on Monday pulled out of the Aircel Chennai Open because of a recurring shoulder injury.
"With great disappointment, I have to inform the fans and organisers of the Aircel Chennai Open 2012 that due to a recurring shoulder injury I will not be able to participate in this year's event," Somdev said.
"Keeping the Australian Open in mind, my doctors have advised me to take this decision. I wish the tournament all the success and look forward to be back next year - fitter and stronger."
According to a release by the organisers, Edouard Roger-Vasselin from France will replace Somdev in the singles field and will play against countryman Prodon.
Roger-Vasselin finds a place in the main draw as a lucky loser in the qualifiers where he lost to Japanese Go Soeda 4-6, 6-7(5).
In the singles draw, Somdev was scheduled to play against Frenchman Eric Prodon, while in the doubles competition, he and his partner Treat Conrad Huey were pitted against the third-seeded pair of India's leading doubles player Leander Paes and Janko Tipsarevic, the World No.9 and top seeded singles player in Aircel Chennai Open.
With the withdrawal of the 2009 finalist, all Indian hopes in men's singles will rest on the young shoulders of Yuki Bhambri.
Bhambri had upset Karol Beck earlier in the day.
The 19-year-old won 6-2, 6-3 in just 79 minutes.
