Originally published on: 15/06/11 09:50
One-time engaged pair Lleyton Hewitt and Kim Clijsters are both doubts to play at Wimbledon after aggravating long-standing injuries.
Hewitt has suffered ongoing problems since having foot surgery and retired from the AEGON International while trailing 6-2 3-0 to Olivier Rochus citing constant pain.
Two-time semi-finalist Clijsters, meanwhile, is also doubtful for SW19 after injuring her ankle in a second round defeat to Romina Oprandi at the Unicef Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Clijsters skidded as she approached the net in the second game and appeared tentative throughout the rest of the match – slipping to a 7-6 6-3 defeat to the world No.82, who tested her mobility with a series of drop shots.
“It’s the same ankle I injured earlier,” said Clijsters, who initially picked up the injury at her cousin’s wedding. “I slipped in the first set and it started hurting. I took some medication on the court that helped with pain in my knee but not my ankle.”
The 28-year-old Belgian has returned home and will seek medical advice before deciding whether to play at Wimbledon. “It depends on results from the hospital,” she admitted.
