Den Bosch, Netherlands: Kim Clijsters withdrew from the Unicef Open before the semi-finals on Friday because of a stomach muscle strain, saying she did not want to jeopardise playing in her last Wimbledon before retirement.
Clijsters' physiotherapist, Sam Versleghers, said the 29-year-old Belgian felt the injury on Thursday during her tough two-set quarterfinal against Francesca Schiavone.
The announcement came just hours before Clijsters was due to play Urszula Radwanska, who subsequently advanced to the final.
"This is a decision taken with my head, not my heart," Clijsters said in a statement. "But preventatively withdrawing from this tournament is the right decision. I am definitely going to play at Wimbledon."...
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10:50 AM, Jun 23, 2012
