Gasquet out of Aust Open with back problem

Frenchman Richard Gasquet has withdrawn from the Australian Open with back problems suffered in a recent series of tennis matches in Asia.

World No.9 Richard Gasquet has withdrawn from January's Australian Open with back problems.

"Sorry to report that @richardgasquet1 has withdrawn from the #AusOpen with a back injury," the Australian Open said via its official Twitter account.

"We wish him a speedy recovery."

The Frenchman suffered the injury in a recent series of matches in Asia.

The Australian Open, the first grand slam of 2016, starts in Melbourne on January 18.

But the world's finest tennis players are already converging on Australia in search of grand slam riches and a summer treasure chest totalling almost $50 million.

All roads ultimately lead to Melbourne Park but the game's biggest names are taking vastly different routes to 2016's first major.