| ROME (TICKER) -- Martina Hingis of Switzerland and Monica Seles of the United States, two of the world's top six ranked women, withdrew from next week's $1.22 million Italian Open, the WTA announced Saturday.
Hingis, who is fourth in the WTA rankings, remains hobbled by the pulled ligament in her left foot which prompted her withdrawal from the ongoing $1.22 million German Open claycourt event.
Seles, who is ranked sixth in the world, has a stomach virus.
The 1998 Italian Open champion, Hingis has reached the semifinals in her four visits to the Foro Italico.
"I've spent the week resting my foot and will meet with my doctor in the next couple of days," Hingis said. "I just need to rest and look ahead to Roland Garros."
The 21-year-old Hingis also was sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery on torn tendons in her right ankle on October 14, 2001.
A former world No. 1, Hingis has won 40 career WTA titles, including the Sydney and Tokyo crowns earlier this year.
Seles, also a former world No. 1, will miss the Rome event for the second straight year. The 28-year-old was sidelined with a injured right foot in 2001.
"I'm really disappointed I won't be able to make it to Rome this year," Seles said. "I've had some great matches in Rome and was looking forward to the Italian Open after missing it last year."
Seles, who has won 52 career WTA events, captured the title in her Rome debut in 1990 and again in 2000. | 