Graf Will Miss Australian Open Due To Foot Surgery

For Steffi Graf, 1996 will have an ominous start, just like 1995 began.

Graf, co-ranked No. 1 in the world with Monica Seles, will be miss the Australian Open next month after undergoing foot surgery Friday.

Graf, 26, had surgery to remove bone splinters from her left foot, Dr. Hartmut Krahl said.

Graf had a similar operation two years ago.

She is a four-time winner of the Australian Open, the first of the year’s Grand Slam events. She also missed last year’s tournament in Melbourne because of an injury.