Henin-Hardenne Withdraws Again

Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium, the world’s No. 1 women’s tennis player and the defending singles champion of the upcoming Acura Classic, has withdrawn from the tournament because she is still recovering from a viral infection that has kept her out of action since a second-round loss at the French Open in May.

Henin-Hardenne had made an early commitment to play in the Acura Classic, which begins Sunday and runs through Aug. 1 in Carlsbad. In April, she was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus, an infection that affects the immune system and causes severe fatigue. Henin-Hardenne tried to play the French Open but lost in the second round and has been sidelined since.

“I was advised by my doctor to wait yet again to return to competition. As you can imagine, I am thoroughly disappointed,” Henin-Hardenne said in a statement to WTA tour officials. “The past four months have been challenging.... I have worked hard to try and get back onto the court as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, however, my body just needs more rest.”

Henin-Hardenne, who defeated fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters in last year’s Acura Classic final, has also pulled out of another event, scheduled for Aug. 2-8 in Montreal.

Clijsters will not be playing the Acura Classic either. She didn’t enter because of an injured left wrist that has kept her out all season.

-- Lauren Peterson