Kuznetsova out of China Open
Svetlana Kuznetsova has climbed the world rankings this year
Wednesday, 19, Sep 2007 04:26
World number two and defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova has withdrawn from the China Open with an abdominal injury.
The Russian, who starred in her country's Fed Cup victory over Italy in the last fortnight, said the injury has been bothering her for some time and that she needs rest to get back to full fitness.
"It's getting worse and worse," said Kuznetsova.
"I came here and had treatment but I just cannot serve."
The 22-year-old has been in blistering form this season, making it to the quarter-finals of the French Open and Wimbledon as well as an impressive run to the final of the US Open earlier this month – a competition she won in 2004.
Kuznetsova joins world number one Justine Henin, the player who defeated her in that final, on the list of players who will not take part in Beijing.
The Belgian is suffering from respiratory problems and will take a rest instead of joining the field at the China Open.