Bartoli withdraws from Stanford with strain

Bartoli's tearful announcement at the Western & Southern Open came only two months after she pushed through the pain to win her greatest championship on Wimbledon's chewed-up grass. (Associated Press)

STANFORD, Calif. — 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 favourite 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.

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