Seles Says She Isn’t Ready for Australian Open

Monica Seles, who hoped to have recovered in time for this month’s Australian Open, said Thursday she will skip the first Grand Slam tennis tournament because she is not in sufficient shape.

Seles, the former No. 1-ranked women’s player, has been sidelined since an attack in Germany last April when a man ran from the stands during a tournament and stabbed her in the back.

Seles’ representatives did not elaborate on her physical condition.

Seles, 20, has been undergoing rehabilitation in hopes of competing in the Australian Open Jan. 17-30 in Melbourne.

Her withdrawal came on the same day skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked in Detroit after practice for the U.S. Olympic figure skating championships.

Representatives said there was no connection between Seles’ withdrawal and the attack on Kerrigan.