Greg Rusedski is struggling to be fit for the Australian Open in January as he continues his recovery from foot surgery.

The British number two, who has not picked up a racket since his operation in October, is unlikely to make his planned comeback date in Doha on 30 December.

And his gradual rehabilitation also makes him a doubt for Great Britain's Davis Cup tie against Australia in February.

Rusedski suffered a similar foot injury in 1999 and later admitted that he had rushed his return.

'Amicable split'

The world number 31 recently split from his coach Sven Groeneveld for a second time after he was unable to name a comeback date.

A spokesman for Rusedski's management company said: "Greg has not started hitting balls at the moment and we don't know at this stage when he is going to be back.

"The split with Sven is very amicable. Greg could not give him a start date."

It is the second time Groeneveld, who was best man at Rusedski's wedding, has been told he is no longer needed, after the pair worked together between 1998 and 2000.

The Dutch coach will now work with Croatian prospect Mario Ancic, who beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon this year.