Born: 1/1/82 Nationality: Argentine Seeded: 4 World ranking: 4 Wimbledon best: Runner-up (2002) Recent record: 2003: 4th round 2002: Runner-up 2001: N/A

His place in the draw was taken by Peru's Luis Horna, who became the 33rd seed while Italy's Stefano Pescosolido took Horna's place in the draw.

The injury is a big blow for the Argentine Nalbandian, who has become a leading force since reaching the 2002 Wimbledon final.

His solid form in north America last summer was capped with a semi-final appearance at the US Open, where he let slip a match-point and a two-set lead against Andy Roddick.

He also reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open and the last 16 at Wimbledon, showing that he knows how to do well at the big events.

That form continued into the clay-court season.

He reached the quarter-finals at the Monte Carlo Masters and the final in Rome before making the last four at the French Open.

Nalbandian is a heavy hitter from the baseline but, unlike most of his compatriots, does not count clay as his favourite surface and enjoys playing on grass.