Tennis: Russia's Kuznetsova pulls out of Wimbledon

LONDON - Two-time grand slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova pulled out of Wimbledon on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time) with an abdominal strain.

Officials said Czech Klara Zakopalova had been installed as 32nd seed following the Russian's withdrawal with the original seeds between 32 and 27 being moved up one place.

Kuznetsova, who was seeded 26th for the grasscourt major which begins on Monday, was the only player to take a set off eventual champion Serena Williams at this month's French Open.

The 27-year-old, who has never been past the quarterfinals in 10 previous visits to Wimbledon, was a first-round loser a year ago. - Reuters