Russia's Petrova joins Sydney casualty list

SYDNEY, Jan 9 (Reuters) Russia's Nadia Petrova joined the mounting casualty list at the Sydney International today when she retired from the tournament complaining of stomach cramp.

The world number six was trailing Ana Ivanovic 6-4 4-2 when she said she was unable to go on, handing her Serbian opponent a free ride into the quarter-finals against Czech Nicole Vaidisova.

Petrova was the fourth player in six hours to suddenly pull out of the tournament, although all said they expected to recover in time for the Australian Open, starting in Melbourne on Monday.

Spanish world number two Rafael Nadal retired from his first round match against Australian wildcard Chris Guccione after complaining of a leg injury.

Russian world number four Svetlana Kuznetsova withdrew midway through her match against Katarina Srebotnik after complaining of breathing problems, while Thai Paradorn Srichaphan cited a wrist injury for quitting against Czech qualifier Ivo Minar.

REUTERS PDS RK1444