Tennis: Hewitt out of French Open

Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt is out of the French Open.

The World No 2 failed to recover from a rib injury sustained last week and confirmed tonight he would not take his place in the first grand slam of the year starting on Monday at Roland Garros.

"I have decided to take doctor's advice and not play next week as returning too early runs the risk of prolonging my recovery period," said Hewitt in a press release.

"This is obviously disappointing but I am taking a longer term approach.

"My sights are now firmly set on the forthcoming grasscourt season starting with Queen's and then Wimbledon, building up to our tough Davis Cup tie against Argentina in Sydney."

- AAP