Melbourne - Marat Safin heads to the Australian Open with minimal preparation after withdrawing from the AAMI Classic tune-up event starting on Wednesday.

The Russian, who was treated for a shoulder problem last week as he played the Hopman Cup with his sister, was replaced in the eight- man field by Ivan Ljubicic.

Safin, the 2005 Australian Open champion, is playing in what he says is his final season in tennis.

Roger Federer, who arrived in Melbourne on Monday, heads the field for the warm-up event at Kooyong club, former home of the Australian Open. dpa