BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) – Kim Clijsters pulled out of Wimbledon on Monday because of a wrist injury that already forced the Belgian star to miss the French Open.

Tests showed a cyst formed on the joint of her left wrist, according to the Dutch version of Clijsters’ Web site. The problem was first diagnosed three months ago as a stress reaction.

Later, a half-inch tear was found in the wrist.

Even though she’s right-handed, the No. 2-ranked Clijsters uses a double-fisted backhand, making it difficult to play with an injured left hand.

Clijsters’ coach, Marc Dehous, told VRT radio that Clijsters had been “progressing well” and this latest development leading to the start of Wimbledon on June 21 was unexpected.

“A cyst emerged, which was not on the previous scan,” he said. “It occurs in about one case in 20. Doctors are checking now how to treat the wrist.”

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On the Net:

Clijsters’ Web site: www.kimclijsters.be.

AP-ES-06-07-04 1016EDT