Summary David Ferrer has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon after suffering an elbow injury.
LONDON (AFP) - David Ferrer has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon on the eve of the tournament after the Spaniard suffered an elbow injury.
Ferrer, 33, was due to face Britain s James Ward in the first round of the grass-court Grand Slam, which starts on Monday.
But the eighth seed, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2012 and 2013, has decided against risking further damage to the elbow.
"David Ferrer has withdrawn from the Gentlemen s singles due to an elbow injury," a Wimbledon statement read on Sunday.
The former French Open finalist s place is taken by lucky loser Luca Vanni, with the Italian due to face Ward on Tuesday.
Ferrer could have been a potential quarter-final opponent for 2013 champion Andy Murray, and his withdrawal may also prove a boost for Rafael Nadal, who was scheduled to meet his compatriot in the last 16.
