Serena Williams withdraws from the French Open
Serena Williams, who has been sidelined since July after two foot operations, then blood clots in her lung, has withdrawn from the French Open, tournament organizers announced on Thursday. She will be replaced by Junri Namigata of Japan.
Venus Williams, who has not played since January because of a hip injury, is also doubtful for the tournament but has not officially withdrawn yet.
Swiss player Timea Bacsinszky (left ankle) and Russia's Dinara Safina (back) also pulled out Thursday and will be replaced by Anna Tatishvili of Georgia and Britain's Anne Keothavong.
The French Open begins on Tuesday.
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-- Houston Mitchell
Photo: Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2010. Credit: Anja Niedringhaus / Associated Press
