Paris, Oct 24: Reigning champion Marat Safin of Russia has withdrawn from the Paris Masters Series tournament because of blisters on his right foot, tournament organizers said yesterday.
The move will allow Frenchman Arnaud Clement to automatically climb into the final round of the tournament, which starts Monday at Paris' Bercy Stadium and ends Saturday, Nov 2.
In the Paris tournament's final last year, the Russian handily defeated Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in straight sets.


Bureau Report