Belgium's former world number one Kim Clijsters has ruled herself out of next month's Australian Open because of a wrist injury, tournament chief executive Paul McNamee says.

"Kim's wrist obviously isn't going to be rehabilitated in time for the first Grand Slam of the new season," McNamee was quoted as saying in Melbourne's Herald Sun on Thursday.

Local newspapers said the absence of Clijsters would also avoid any awkward moments for the baseliner and her former fiance, Australia's ex-world number one Lleyton Hewitt. The pair announced in October they were calling off their engagement.

Former Australia player Jelena Dokic has also announced that she is not entering the 2005 Australian Open.