Henin-Hardenne to rest before U.S. Open tilt

STANFORD, July 26 (Reuters) French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne is to rest for five weeks and will play just one preparation tournament before the U.S. Open, said coach Carlos Rodriguez.

The 24-year-old Belgian has pulled out of next week's Acura Classic in San Diego and has pencilled in the Rogers Cup event in Montreal starting Aug. 14 as her only event before the final Grand Slam event of the year at Flushing Meadow.

''Justine will now have five weeks off with no tournaments,'' Rodriguez said on Henin-Hardenne's official website.

''She will play only one warm-up event to prepare for the U.S.

Open, and that will be Montreal. This will give her a week to recover, and focus on form. If there are no injuries Justine will play.'' After winning at Roland Garros, Eastbourne and reaching the Wimbledon final, the world number three pulled out of Belgium's Fed Cup semi-final against the United States.

She has committed to playing in the Fed Cup final against Italy in September, following the U.S. Open, after Rodriguez criticised Belgian officials over the handling of her withdrawal prior to the victory over the U.S.

Reuters AY DB0946