Toronto — Russian Anna Kournikova withdrew from the Rogers AT&T Cup tennis tournament Tuesday due to a back injury.
"While we are disappointed that Anna's injury will prevent her from competing in our best field ever, we wish her the very best in her rehabilitation from injury," tournament director Stacey Allaster said. "Tennis fans around the world anticipate Anna's return to the Tour as she is an asset to our sport."
Kournikova has been sidelined since May with the injury.
"I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete in Toronto next month," Kournikova said in a statement. "The events in Canada are always world class and I appreciate the support I receive from the Canadian fans."
Even without Kournikova, this year's field remains a star-studded one. Nineteen of the world's top-20 ranked players are slated to compete.
The top four players in the world rankings headline the list of competitors for this year's tournament, which begins Aug. 9 at the National Tennis Centre. Wimbledon champion Serena Williams of the U.S., the world's top-ranked female player, tops the field, along with older sister, Venus, who is No. 4 in the rankings.
Also taking part will be Belgium's Kim Clijsters and French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne, ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the world, respectively.
