World number two Dinara Safina has withdrawn from next week's Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships as she continues her recovery from the back injury that forced her out of the Australian Open.

The Russian retired from her fourth-round match against Maria Kirilenko in Melbourne and has been out of action since.

Safina told her website: "Unfortunately, I will not be able to play the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships this year because of the back injury that's been bothering me since the end of last season.

"I wish the tournament the best of success on its 10th anniversary and hope to be back next year, as it's one of my favourite events."

The $2million tournament had been set to feature all of the top 11 women in the world, although there must also be doubts about number one Serena Williams after she withdrew from this week's event in Paris with a leg injury.