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Capriati withdraws from Toray Pan Pacific Open

25 gennaio 2003

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - World No.3 Jennifer Capriati has been forced to withdraw from next week's US$1.3 million Toray Pan Pacific Open, as she continues her recovery from recent eye surgery.

The 26-year-old had pterygiums (sunspots) removed from both eyes in mid-November. As defending champion, Capriati was beaten in the first round of the Australian Open on 13 January, and afterwards admitted she returned to the Tour too early.

"I spoke to my doctor and he said I really shouldn't strain my eyes any more at this stage," said Capriati. "I'm really disappointed to miss the 20th anniversary of the tournament, especially because the fans have supported me so much in the past."

Capriati was due to make her first appearance in the Toray Pan Pacific Open since 1992, when, as the No.4 seed, she was beaten in her opening match (second round) by Magdalena Maleeva. Her next scheduled event is the US$585,000 Dubai Duty Free Women's Open (17-22 February).

The tournament also announced on Friday that Anna Kournikova has withdrawn due to a back sprain (sacroiliac), suffered at the Australian Open. Kournikova was a semifinalist at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in 2002, falling to Monica Seles in three sets.

However, it also revealed that two-time Grand Slam singles champion Mary Pierce has entered the event, making her first appearance there since 2000. Most recently, Pierce pushed No.10 seed Chanda Rubin to three sets at the Australian Open and reached the doubles quarterfinals with Rennae Stubbs.

The WTA Tour is the world's premier professional sport for women with more than 1,000 players representing 76 nations competing for more than $52 million in prize money at the Tour's 60 events in 31 countries. More than 4 million people attended women's tennis events in 2002 with millions more watching events on television networks around the world. The WTA Tour's season concludes with the Home Depot Championships presented by Porsche at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, November 5-10, 2003.