WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Former No. 1 Dinara Safina has withdrawn from Wimbledon because of a lower back injury which has plagued her since November.
Safina, a semifinalist at Wimbledon last year, was to be seeded 20th this year. She has lost her last four matches since April, including at the French Open, her last appearance on tour.
Safina’s spot in the draw was taken by 18-year-old American Melanie Oudin, who made a dramatic run to the U.S Open quarterfinals last year. Oudin was seeded 33rd on Saturday.
Stephanie Dubois of Canada also entered the draw as a lucky loser.
