Mauresmo pulls out of Olympics

PARIS
Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo said on Thursday she would not play in the Beijing Olympics next month to concentrate on preparing for the U.S. Open. "As I was not picked to play singles and because I need to preserve myself from physical problems, I have decided not to take part in the Olympics to concentrate on getting ready for the US Open," the Frenchwoman said on her Web site ( www.ameliemauresmo.fr ).
Mauresmo was picked only to play doubles in the August 8-24 Games but could have been selected to play singles as well in the likely event of the withdrawal of Mary Pierce, who has not played for nearly two years because of a knee injury.
The 28-year-old twice grand slam winner lost to Serena Williams in the third round at Wimbledon last week after struggling with a knee injury in the built up to the tournament. The U.S. Open begins on August 25.