ROME -- Justine Henin-Hardenne withdrew from the Italian Open because of an injured left knee, hoping rest will help her for the French Open.

The fourth-ranked Belgian made the decision following her victory in the German Open final Sunday.

"My knee got worse as the match went on and right now the advice I have received is to take a rest to ensure I will be fully fit for the French Open, which starts in two weeks' time,'' she said.

Henin-Hardenne, runner-up in Rome in 2002, was to have been seeded third. She will be replaced by Patty Schnyder in the draw when the tournament in Rome starts Monday.

Venus Williams, the 1999 Italian Open champion, withdrew from the tournament last month. Sister Serena Williams is the defending champion and will be seeded first in Rome.