Belgian tennis star Justine Henin-Hardenne has been sidelined for three weeks because of a torn knee muscle.
The injury forced her to retire from the decisive doubles match at the Fed Cup Sunday, giving the title to first-time winner Italy. In a statement on her website, Henin-Hardenne said she retired from the match "with much sadness." She said the pain in the back of her knee made it impossible for her to continue.
Henin-Hardenne has already pulled out of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany next month and is doubtful for the Zurich Open October 9 to 15.
The French Open champion said she might not play again before the season-ending Sony Ericsson championships in Madrid, November 6 to 12.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.