Serena withdraws from Paris event

The American former world number one, who won the French event in 2003, will be replaced as the second seed in the draw by Daniela Hantuchova.

"I am very disappointed to have to pull out but I hope with all my heart to play in 2009," said Williams.

Slovakian Hantuchova reached the at Australian Open semi-finals, where she lost 0-6 6-3 6-4 to Ana Ivanovic.

Williams went out in the quarter-finals as she defended her title in Melbourne, losing 6-3 6-4 to Jelena Jankovic.

Russia's Nadia Petrova is the reigning champion in Paris, overcoming Lucie Safora of the Czech Republic 4-6 6-1 6-4 in last year's final.

Another Russian, world number seven Ana Chakvetadze, is top seed, with surprise 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli heading the home challenge as the third seed.

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