Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi [ Images ] on Tuesday left for Melbourne [ Images ] to undergo a back surgery.

"Mahesh left for Melbourne today. He will be meeting the doctors there to discuss his condition. The surgery is expected to take place within the next few days," Krishna Bhupathi, his father said.

"He has been complaining of back pain for quite some time. But the pain has now worsened," he said.

Shweta, Mahesh's wife, has also accompanied him to Melbourne and will be there during that period.

The 33-year-old, who had pulled out of the ATP tournament in Mumbai [ Images ] last week, is hoping to return to action in January, he said.