Top-rated Ana Ivanovic withdrew from Olympic tennis Sunday because of inflammation in her right hand that has bothered her for several weeks.
Ivanovic said she hasn’t been able to practice because of the injury, which began to bother her last month. She was expected to play her first-round match for Serbia on Monday, but after consulting with a doctor, she said she needs more rest.
“It’s one of the hardest moments in my career,” Ivanovic said. “I’m very, very disappointed.”
Ivanovic said the injury may take two weeks to heal, and she still hopes to play in the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 25.
She was already assured of losing the top spot in the women’s rankings Monday to No. 2 Jelena Jankovic. Ivanovic has led the rankings since June 9, the day after winning the French Open.
source: AP
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