Chennai: Somdev Devvarman provided the biggest opening shock of Chennai Open 2012 on Monday when he announced that he would not take part in the tournament owing to a recurring shoulder injury that stalled his preparation and finally prevented his participation.

"With great disappointment, I have to inform the fans and organizers of the Aircel Chennai Open 2012 that due to a recurring shoulder injury I will not be able to participate in this year's event. Keeping the Australian Open in mind, my doctors have advised me to take this decision . I wish the tournament all the success and look forward to being back next year - fitter and stronger," Somdev said in a media release.

The 26-year-old Indian was present at the draw ceremony on Saturday and was positive about his scheduled first-round match against Eric Prodon of France. "If I play well, I'll give myself a good chance to win," he had said.

Though he didn't mention the injury, he was apparently struggling. That he didn't practice on Sunday and Monday raised doubts about his fitness. Somdev has been struggling with his right shoulder for some time now and it was the same injury that forced him out of the reverse singles match against Kei Nishikori in India's Davis Cup play-off match against Japan in September last.

Somdev, who stormed into the final of Chennai Open in 2009 and in the process emerged India's top singles player, hasn't had much success here after that. Though he and Sanam Singh entered the doubles semi-finals in 2010, Somdev lost to Tipsarevic in the second round in 2010 and then in the first round to qualifier David Goffin last year. Somdev was scheduled to play the doubles too but he has pulled out of that also.