Safin announces he won't play at Australian Open next year

Former world No. 1 Marat Safin has announced that he won't be coming back to the Australian Open next year.

Russia's Safin, 28, indicated today that he wouldn't be returning to Melbourne Park in a competitive capacity after his singles loss to Swiss Roger Federer in straight sets.

Fabrice Santoro, 36, also indicated he would not return to Melbourne Park in a competitive capacity after his fall to American Andy Roddick, the Herald Sun reported.

Asked if he would back for the 2010 Open, Safin said: "I doubt it. I really doubt it."

"I don't like this bye, bye part. It's just a sad story. It's not for me. I prefer to leave this way, quietly, nice, with a great match," he added.