Kuerten pulls out of Wimbledon

LONDON, JUNE 15. As expected, the world's top-ranked male player will not be at Wimbledon.

French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten officially pulled out of Wimbledon today, citing an injury.

The Brazilian, who won his third French Open title on Sunday, had already announced that he planned to skip Wimbledon. He said he had a sore groin and needed a rest. But Kuerten has also complained about the seeding system at Wimbledon, saying it penalizes clay-court experts like himself.

Alex Corretja, losing finalist at the French Open, and other Spanish clay-court specialists have threatened to boycott Wimbledon if they are unhappy with the seedings when they are announced on Monday.

Already out with injuries are former French Open champion Mary Pierce, 1996 Wimbledon winner Richard Krajicek and Mark Philippoussis. Russian star Anna Kournikova is also doubtful for Wimbledon.

- AP

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