Brussels, Feb 20: Belgian world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne pulled out of the Antwerp Diamond Games on Thursday with a respiratory illness.
The top seed had been due to play her opening match against Czech Denisa Chladkova in the second round on Thursday evening after being given an exceptionally late start to help her recover from a throat infection. However, she was unable to take her place in the draw and is replaced by France's St Dephanie Foretz. "I knew for a few days that I was still very sick but it was hard for me to accept it... I was lying to myself," Henin told a news conference in Antwerp. "On Wednesday night the doctor told me again to be careful with my health. And even if I wanted to play, Thursday morning, getting up I felt I would not be able to play at night. "My doctor felt that if I continued to practise and play, I could make myself worse and risk being sidelined for two to three weeks. "I am really disappointed for the tournament organisers, the fans and of course myself. I was looking forward to playing in Antwerp for the first time since becoming number one in the world and wanted to show the fans what I'm capable of. "It's really unfortunate... I did my best to play... I even practised when I was swallowing antibiotics." "(But) I cannot allow myself to play if I am not 100 percent -- two years ago in Roland Garros, I played feeling sick just like now and it did me no good. "My decision today proves that I have grown. It was a tough decision to take and that is why I waited so long, hoping I would get better. Defending champion Venus Williams, the third seed, pulled out of the event at the weekend with a knee injury. Henin's withdrawal leaves her second-seeded compatriot Kim Clijsters the overwhelming favourite for the title. Bureau Report