Rubin out of India Open

By Chris Davies
February 2 2003

Top seed Chanda Rubin has withdrawn from the India Open which starts in Hyderabad on Monday. Rubin lost to Seles in the Semi-Finals at the Pan Pacific Open.

The American pulled out of the tournament at the last minute complaining of a knee injury.

Rubin is trying to rebuild her career after a double operation on her knee and she said she has to be cautious.

"I still need to be careful not to overwork my knee," she said.

"After a long week in Japan and Australia I feel I need to listen to my body.

"But I am really pleased with the progress I've been making since my comeback last year."

Rubin's withdrawal has taken the shine off the India Open which is the first WTA tour event to be staged in South Asia.

The world number 12 was one of only five top 50 players to enter the competition.

Argentine Clarisa Fernandez, ranked 29th in the world, now goes into the tournament as favourite.
Others in the tournament includes Mary Pierce and Iroda Tulyagnova.