China's female tennis star, Li Na can not play in US Open 2007 for her muscle injury

Chinese tennis star Li Na is not going to play in the upcoming US Open Championship due her muscle injury in the rib area. Reuters reports:

The 25-year-old, who spearheaded China's breakthrough year in women's tennis in 2006, last played in June at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in Birmingham, where she sustained the injury during a coughing fit brought about by her pollen allergy.

The world number 21 had planned to make her return to court at last week's Los Angeles Classic but was forced to withdraw from the tournament when the injury flared up again.

Li Na’s colleague, Zheng Jie, is also suffering from ankle injury and doubtful whether she is going to participate in US Open 2007.

The twenty five year old tennis player is the most prominent figure in promoting women’s tennis in China. She last played in June 2006.

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Reuters