Fifth seed Marat Safin of Russia has been forced to pull out of this week’s United States Open because of a knee injury.
The 25-year-old, who won the Flushing Meadows tournament in 2000, has been bothered by tendonitis in his left knee for most of the summer.
Safin, who won the Australian Open in January, took six weeks off before returning to action this month at Cincinnati, where he lost to Robby Ginepri in the quarterfinals.
Safin was scheduled to face Alexander Popp of Germany in the first round.
”Although Marat wanted more than anything to play and has tried whatever he could to be ready, as a professional tennis player he has had to admit his body is saying it is too soon,” said a statement on Safin’s personal website.
”He will return to Italy to continue treatment and ensure that his knee is fully recovered.
”It is not known how long he will be out, but this time he will make sure he does not rush into returning.” — Sapa-AFP