Former Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem is out of the first grand slam of 2022.

The Austrian announced on social media his decision, citing his lack of preparation for his withdrawal. 

Thiem, 28, has not played since the Mallorca Open in June, with a wrist injury ruining his 2021 campaign. 

The world number 15 was planning his return to tennis at the ATP Cup in Sydney, however the former US Open champion caught a cold while training in Dubai.

This cold forced him to return to Austria, where his team elected to change his planned return to tennis.

"I will not play this year at the Australian Open in Melbourne, a city that I love and where I have great memories of unforgettable matches," he said. 

"I will miss the Australian fans but I will be back in 2023.

"We believe this is the right decision in order to have a good return to competition."

Thiem said he would start the year in Argentina at the Cordoba Open at the end of January. 

"I am now feeling well again, my wrist is in optimal condition and I am practising normally and with very good intensity." 

His withdrawal is another setback for Australia Open organisers, who have already lost big names from the tournament. 

Roger Federer withdrew from the men's draw, while it is still unclear if world number 1 Novak Djokovic will be in Melbourne. 

On the women's side of the draw, Serena Williams announced she would not be in Melbourne because of medical advice while 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu is also out.