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 29 August 2008 07:39 BST

Serena out of Paris Open

Saturday, 02 Feb 2008 12:17
Serena out of Paris Open
Serena Williams, former world number one and French Open Winner in 2003, has pulled out of next week's Paris Open, so as to undergo dental surgery.

Williams, who lost 6-3 6-4 in the quarter-finals in the defence of her Australian Open title in Melbourne recently to Jelena Jankovic, has been replaced as second seed in the draw from the clay court tournament by Daniela Hantuchova.

The 26-year old described herself as being "very disappointed" at having to withdraw, and is expected to return to Florida for surgery before beginning preparations for a series of European indoor events in February.

Slovakian Hantuchova herself reached the semi-finals in Melbourne, before losing 0-6 6-3 6-4 to runner up Ana Ivanovic.

Current world number seven Ana Chakvetadze from Russia is top seed for the event in the French capital, with Wimbledon 2007 runner-up Marion Bartoli leading the home challenge as third seed.

Reigning Paris Open champion, Russia's Nadia Petrova will also be defending her crown having overcome Lucie Safora of the Czech Republic 4-6 6-1 6-4 in last year's final.

At the same time, Joachim Johansson has announced his retirement from the game at the age of just 25 after persistent injuries saw the Swede plummet to number 738 in the world.
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