ESPN.com - TENNIS - Kournikova in doubt for Wimbledon

 
Friday, June 8
Updated: June 13, 3:23 PM ET
Kournikova in doubt for Wimbledon



EASTBOURNE, England -- Anna Kournikova is in danger of missing Wimbledon after pulling out of yet another tournament, next week's grass-court event at Eastbourne.

The Russian hasn't played since sustaining a stress fracture in her left foot in March. She missed the entire clay-court season, including the French Open. She already has withdrawn from the DFS Classic in Birmingham and an exhibition tournament in London.

"I always enjoy playing at Eastbourne so I am really sorry that my foot has not healed quickly enough to allow me to play there again this year," Kournikova said.

Kournikova, one of the sport's most marketable players, has never won a singles title. She reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 1997 but lost in the second round last year.

She has not played since losing to Amelie Mauresmo in the quarterfinals of the Gaz de France in February.

Her return to competition will be determined on a week-to-week basis, said Phil de Picciotto of Octagon, Kournikova's management company.

But the fact that Kournikova has been inactive for so long increases the likelihood she will miss Wimbledon, the Grand Slam championship that starts June 25.

The 20-year-old Russian also pulled out of a commercial promotion Friday at Eastbourne.

"We're disappointed Anna won't be here this year," Eastbourne tournament director John Feaver said. "But we fully understand the reasons why and we wish her a quick recovery and we hope to see her back at Eastbourne in 2002."

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