Petrova pulls out of Wimbledon

LONDON, June 23 (Reuters) Russian fifth seed Nadia Petrova has pulled out of Wimbledon due to a groin injury, organisers said today.

Petrova sustained the injury before her shock first-round defeat to Akiko Morigami at the French Open last month and has not recovered in time for the grasscourt grand slam which starts on Monday.

The Russian, who reached the quarter-finals last year, is replaced in Friday's draw by Ukrainian lucky loser Julia Vakulenko.

REUTERS PM HS1401