EASTBOURNE, England -- Anna Kournikova is in danger of
missing Wimbledon after pulling out of yet another tournament, next
week's grass-court event at Eastbourne.
The Russian hasn't played since sustaining a stress fracture in
her left foot in March. She missed the entire clay-court season,
including the French Open. She already has withdrawn from the DFS
Classic in Birmingham and an exhibition tournament in London.
"I always enjoy playing at Eastbourne so I am really sorry that
my foot has not healed quickly enough to allow me to play there
again this year," Kournikova said.
Kournikova, one of the sport's most marketable players, has
never won a singles title. She reached the Wimbledon semifinals in
1997 but lost in the second round last year.
She has not played since losing to Amelie Mauresmo in the
quarterfinals of the Gaz de France in February.
Her return to competition will be determined on a week-to-week
basis, said Phil de Picciotto of Octagon, Kournikova's management
company.
But the fact that Kournikova has been inactive for so long
increases the likelihood she will miss Wimbledon, the Grand Slam
championship that starts June 25.
The 20-year-old Russian also pulled out of a commercial
promotion Friday at Eastbourne.
"We're disappointed Anna won't be here this year," Eastbourne
tournament director John Feaver said. "But we fully understand the
reasons why and we wish her a quick recovery and we hope to see her
back at Eastbourne in 2002."
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