Serena Williams out of French Open

Former champion Serena Williams pulled out of the French Open on Thursday.

Williams has been off the tour since July after two foot operations, then blood clots in her lung, and has not recovered in time.

The winner of the 2002 French Open among her 13 Grand Slam singles titles was replaced in the main draw by Junri Namigata of Japan, organizers said.

Her sister, Venus Williams, remains a doubt as she has not played since January because of a hip injury. Venus lost her only final at Roland Garros to Serena. The sisters own a combined 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

Two-time finalist Dinara Safina (back) and Swiss player Timea Bacsinszky (left ankle) have also pulled out, and will be replaced by Britain's Anne Keothavong and Georgia's Anna Tatishvili respectively.

David Nalbandian was out of the men's tournament because of a virus, and was replaced by German player Daniel Brands.

French players Arnaud Clement, the 2001 Australian Open runner-up, Vincent Millot, Benoit Paire, Edouard Roger-Vasselin, Guillaume Rufin and Maxime Texeira received wild cards for the men's draw, along with Tim Smyczek of the United States and Bernard Tomic of Australia.

Wild cards for the women's draw were given to French players Iryna Bremond, Stephanie Foretz-Gacon, Kristina Mladenovic, Pauline Parmentier, and Caroline Garcia.

American player Irina Falconi, and Australia's Casey Dellacqua also have wild cards, organizers said.