Pierce pulls out of French Open with foot injury

PARIS, May 26 (Reuters) France's Mary Pierce has pulled out of the French Open starting on Sunday because she has not fully recovered from a foot injury.

Pierce, 31, won the tournament in 2000 and lost in the 1994 and 2005 finals. She has been hampered for months by a right foot injury and groin problems.

''I made my decision yesterday evening with my doctor and my coach. I'm not competitive yet,'' she told a press conference today.

Last year's US Open finalist said she had no idea when she would make her return to the courts.

''I will come back when I have the means to win. I'm still recovering from the foot inflammation and have set neither a date nor a tournament for my return,'' she said.

Pierce has not played a competitive match since she lost 6-1 7-6 to compatriot Amelie Mauresmo in the Paris Open final in February.

Reuters PG GC1841