Serena Williams Pulls Out Of French Open
PARIS (AP) -- Serena Williams has pulled out of the French Open. Williams has been out since last July after two foot operations, then blood clots in her lung, and has not fully recovered.
French Open organizers said Thursday that Williams has been replaced in the main draw by Junri Namigata of Japan. Venus Williams remains doubtful for the major that begins May 22. She has not played since January because of a hip injury.
The sisters own a combined 20 Grand Slam singles titles. Swiss player Timea Bacsinszky (left ankle) and Russian Dinara Safina (back) have also pulled out. They have been replaced by Anna Tatishvili of Georgia and Anne Keothavong of Britain.
David Nalbandian is out of the men's tournament because of a virus, and is replaced by Daniel Brands of Germany.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
