LONDON: Russia`s former world number one Dinara Safina has withdrawn from Wimbledon because of injury, tournament organisers said on Saturday.

Safina, who was seeded 20th for the grand-slam event which starts on Monday, has a lower back injury. Her position in the draw will now be taken by American Melanie Oudin who becomes the 33rd seed.

Stephanie Dubois of Canada, who lost in the final round of qualifying, gets a place in the 128-strong draw.

Safina has been plagued by back injuries this season and retired from the Australian Open in January. She also missed tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

Spain`s Maria Martinez Sanchez, the 22nd seed, also withdrew on Saturday because of a knee injury and her position in the draw will now be occupied by new 34th seed Kateryna Bondarenko.

BDST: 1149hrs, June 20, 2010
SA