Dominic Thiem pulls out of Qatar Open with fever

The Austrian was due to meet Frenchman Gael Monfils in the semi-final following a straight-sets win over promising youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas.

However, the fever scuppered his final preparations ahead of the Australian Open, as he becomes the latest big name with health concerns ahead of the tournament, with Rafa Nadal (knee) and Novak Djokovic (elbow) also pulling out of Brisbane with injuries and Kei Nishikori (wrist) and Andy Murray (hip) ruling themselves out of the Melbourne Grand Slam.

Andey Rublev will now meet Monfils in the final in Doha after his 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2) victory over Guido Pella.

Thiem had not dropped a set in Doha but had coughed repeatedly during a press conference on Thursday, raising concerns about his condition.

"I am in bed with fever and there is almost no chance of a recovery until tonight," Thiem wrote on Facebook.

"Of course I am disappointed, but nevertheless I had a solid start into the new season.

"Now I am focusing on Melbourne and being fit and prepared for the first Grand Slam of the year,"