Clijsters Pulls Out; It’s All in the Wrist

You can run but you can’t hide from injuries, not on the WTA Tour.

The injury cloud hanging over the Pacific Life Open moved over and took out the biggest name yet Saturday, as defending champion and second-seeded Kim Clijsters of Belgium withdrew because of a bone bruise and tendinitis in her left wrist.

Clijsters, 20, suffered the injury Friday in the second set of her second-round victory over qualifier Angelika Roesch of Germany but got through the match. However, there was more swelling and pain Saturday morning.

It is unclear how long she could be out. Clijsters could miss up to six weeks, or she could return in time for the Miami tournament later this month.

“It’s very frustrating because I feel like I was playing well,” said Clijsters, who won in Paris and Antwerp, Belgium. “Then having to go through this year, [at] one of the favorite tournaments throughout the year. It’s definitely very, very disappointing.”

At least she actually played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Sixth-ranked Jennifer Capriati and No. 3 Amelie Mauresmo of France withdrew beforehand because of back injuries, and No. 9 Chanda Rubin pulled out because of an injured knee.

-- Lisa Dillman