Wozniacki, Bencic out of French Open

PARIS • Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and rising Swiss talent Belinda Bencic have withdrawn from the French Open due to injuries, the Women's Tennis Association said.

Wozniacki had withdrawn due to a right ankle injury while world No. 8 Bencic was out with a lower back injury.

"@CaroWozniacki has withdrawn from @RolandGarros due to a right ankle injury," the WTA tweeted.

Wozniacki's injury continues a difficult season for the Dane, who was dumped from the opening round of the Australian Open and has now slumped to 34th in the rankings.

The 25-year-old was already a doubt for the clay-court Grand Slam after missing recent tournaments in Madrid and Rome with the injury, which she suffered while training. She has not played since the Miami Open in March, pulling out of the Istanbul Cup and a Fed Cup tie as well.

Bencic has also had a tough run, losing opening-round matches at four of her last five events since making the final at St Petersburg in February.

The 19-year-old will now be replaced by world No. 115 American Lauren Davis in the draw for the French Open.

Wozniacki's slot will be taken by a lucky loser from qualifying.

The French Open gets underway on Sunday, with the draw taking place today.

REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 19, 2016, with the headline Wozniacki, Bencic out of French Open. Subscribe