LONDON, June 16 (UPI) — Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia has pulled out of the event gain this year because of a variety of injuries.
Ivanisevic, who has struggled with them since winning the 2001 title, pulled out of this year’s event because of a knee injury. He was beaten in the first round by Jan Vacek in last week’s Stella Artois tournament.
Also withdrawing are former women’s world No. 1 Monica Seles and Anna Kournikova.
Seles has continuing problems with her foot. Kournikova has a nagging back injury.
Seles, who was Wimbledon runnerup to Steffi Graf in 1992, has said that if she will retire if she continues to be plagued by foot problems.
Kournikova has yet to win a tour title and has slipped to No. 77 in the world rankings.
Also out are Tommy Haas, who has a shouldr injury, and former men’s world No. 1 Marcelo Rios, who dislikes grass tournaments.
Wimbledon begins June 23.