Henin-Hardenne withdraws from Rogers Cup in Montreal

TORONTO, Aug 11 (Reuters) World number three Justine Henin-Hardenne has pulled out of next week's Rogers Cup in Montreal because of a knee injury.

The 24-year-old Belgian is the latest big-name withdrawal from the WTA Tour event following Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo and American Venus Williams.

Frenchwoman Mauresmo has a shoulder injury and Williams a wrist problem.

''I am really disappointed to have to withdraw from the Rogers Cup, which I have been preparing hard for over the past weeks,'' five-times grand slam champion Henin-Hardenne said in a statement yesterday.

''I have always loved playing in front of the amazing fans at the Rogers Cup, but unfortunately my right knee has not fully recovered and my doctors have told me that I need to rest it for a few days.

''I am going to be doing everything I can to get back on court as soon as possible.'' Henin-Hardenne has not played since reaching the Wimbledon final in July, when she lost to Mauresmo in three sets.

The Rogers Cup starts on Monday two weeks before the US Open, the final grand slam tournament of the year.

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