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By Erik Gudris

Victoria Azareaka (June 26, 2013) -- No. 2 seed Victoria Azarenka withdrew from Wimbledon hours before her scheduled second round match on Centre Court against Flavia Pennetta

The Australian Open champion did not fully recover from a fall she took on Monday during her opening round match against Maria Joao Koehler. Azarenka's coach Sam Sumyk told ESPN that although Azarenka can walk, she is unable to move well on court, hence why she was forced to pull out of the event.

Azarenka, who later revealed in press that an MRI revealed she suffered a bone bruise, talked about her last 48 hours.

"Well, I mean, it was pretty obvious it was a very bad fall," Azarenka said. "I tried to stay optimistic as possible. Went to get an MRI, and I thought there was hope for some good news because MRI didn't show something really torn, something extreme. So that was a small positive note on that. But in the other way, didn't show very promising near future for me. So we tried to do everything as possible, but it was just very significant fall."

Azarenka led a host of other players who either withdrew or retired in second round matches on day three.

Steve Darcis, who upset Rafael Nadal on Monday, also withdrew from the tournament due to a shoulder injury he suffered in his first round match. Lukasz Kubot, who was to play Darcis, will now advance into the third round.

Darcis, after making the announcement, sent out several messages on Twitter revealing his disappointment.

Isner, Stepanek Retire Due to Injury

The slick grass at the All-England Club continues to pose problems for players in the first week. John Isner jarred his knee in the early stages of his second round match against France's Adrian Mannarino. Despite receiving treatment, Isner retired at 1-1 in the first set.

Though a torn tendon may be the cause of Isner's injury, he said he won't know until he receives tests later today.

Radek Stepanek also retired in his first round match against Jerzy Janowicz. Stepanek incurred a right thigh injury and soon called it quits down 2-6, 3-5.

No. 10 seed Marin Cilic also withdrew from the event due to a knee injury.

The rash of sudden injuries at Wimbledon has raised questions about the slickness of the grass this year on the courts at the All-England Club. Kim Clijsters, in a Twitter message to ESPN's Brad Gilbert, mentioned that tournament organizers changed the rules a few years ago about the kinds of shoes players can wear during the event.


(Photo Credit: AP)

 

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