Wimbledon champ Marion Bartoli withdraws

[July 19, 2013]  STANFORD, Calif. (AP) -- Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli withdrew from the Bank of the West Classic on Thursday because of a hamstring strain.

"During Wimbledon I developed a strain in my hamstring which has not healed over the past two weeks," said Bartoli, the 2009 tournament winner. "I have been receiving therapy and was optimistic that I would be able to participate. ... It is one of my favorite tournaments on the circuit. Unfortunately, the injury has not completely healed and I will be unable to participate."

Bartoli is the second prominent player to pull out of the tournament this week. Maria Sharapova withdrew because of a left hip injury suffered during Wimbledon.

Bartoli's withdrawal opened a spot for former Stanford All-American Mallory Burdette in the main draw. Burdette turned pro shortly after the event last year and reached the third round of the U.S. Open.

[Associated Press]

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