Kiefer adds to growing Australian Open absentee list

MELBOURNE, Jan 6 (Reuters) German Nicolas Kiefer became the latest player to add his name to the Australian Open absentee list after failing to recover from a wrist injury.

Kiefer reached the semi-finals last year but has been sidelined since last June.

''There would be no sense in returning to competition for a grand slam after six months off and without any specific preparation,'' Kiefer said on his Web site.

''I have some great memories from Melbourne, particularly after what I achieved last year, but it would be unreasonable to return in these conditions.

''I'm going to keep working to come back little by little.'' Kiefer has had two operations on the wrist since pulling out of last year's French Open.

Women's world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne, Australian Mark Philippoussis and Briton Tim Henman are among the others who will not be travelling to Melbourne Park when the season's first grand slam tournament opens for business on Jan 15.

Reuters PM GC1326