General / Editor / 18 May 2007 /

Nadia Petrov is a doubt for the upcoming French Open after being forced to withdraw from the Italian Open with a back injury.

The Russian had to pull out midway through her clash with Elena Dementieva in Rome after calling the trainer for treatment to her lower back.

Petrova tried to carry on at 4-3 down in the first set but was in too much pain and conceded the match to her fellow Russian.

The world number 12 revealed: "I had an accident in the gym. I fell on the floor and it was very sore. Today I ran for a wide ball and I felt a pain right there.

"It's a shame. I was really hoping to go far this week. Even today I was playing good tennis."

Although it is unclear whether she will miss Roland Garros, with just over a week to the start of the second Grand Slam of the season, it doesn't look good for the former French Open semi-finalist.

The 24-year-old is the latest doubt in the women's singles event, with injury concerns over Maria Sharapova. Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis have already withdrawn from the Paris showpiece.

Justine Henin is the 2.5 favourite to win the French Open title, while Betfair punters see world number 11 Serena Williams (4.4) as the Belgian's biggest threat.

Maria Sharapova is next best in the winner's market at 14, while home player Amelie Mauresmo is 14.5 to win her third Grand Slam event.

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