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banner Sunday, 27 May, 2001, 14:16 GMT 15:16 UK
Kuerten still unsure about Wimbledon
Gustavo Kuerten in action in France last year
Gustavo Kuerten has an excellent record on clay
By BBC Sport Online's Alex Perry at Roland Garros

Gustavo Kuerten has again expressed his doubts about playing in this year's Wimbledon tournament.

The Brazilian, the top seed and reigning champion at Roland Garros, has already suggested he may pull out of Wimbledon because he is unhappy at the way the All England Club decides on seedings.

Last year, several top Spanish players boycotted the tournament because their lack of form on grass meant they were pushed down the rankings.

The threats of the world number one Kuerten to follow suit this year persuaded the All England Club to reassess its policy, but it appears that may not be enough for the Brazilian.

Gustavo Kuerten won the French Open last year
Kuerten is the reigning French Open champion

"Like I said before, maybe it would be a good time for me to rest a little bit," he said at the traditional pre-tournament press conference for the French Open champion.

"After Hamburg, when I lost so early, I had time to recover a little, so I feel much better now.

"But I think I still have to recover a little bit and rest - it's going to be the perfect time for me."

Kuerten has been struggling with a groin injury, which brought about his shock first round defeat to Max Mirnyi in Hamburg.

Prior to that, he had won 37 out of his last 39 matches on clay, losing only to the in-form Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final of the Masters Series tournament in Rome, and to Lleyton Hewitt in a Davis Cup match.

However, Kuerten feels the rest after his Hamburg defeat has done him the world of good, and he now says he is in "perfect condition" for the defence of his French Open title.

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