Costa rules himself out of Wimbledon

New French Open champion Albert Costa has declared Wimbledon is not on his agenda this year following his victory at Roland Garros…

New French Open champion Albert Costa has declared Wimbledon is not on his agenda this year following his victory at Roland Garros yesterday.

The Spanish clay court expert has a far more pressing engagement. While his victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero in Paris has finally given him the self belief he admits to have lacked, his wedding will take precedence over the grass courts of south west London.

"I will not go, because I am getting married," Costa said.

Runner-up Ferrero may not be in attendance at the All England Club either, but this is due to a recurrent ankle problem rather than any pending nuptials.

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The 22-year-old suffered the injury at the start of the French tournament, causing him problems with his shoulder and groin and it could deprive Ferrero of his second appearance at Wimbledon.

"I am going to relax a little bit in the next few days, and I am going to practise on grass," he said.

"I don't know whether I will play next week but then, of course, I should go to Wimbledon even if I am not totally sure yet if I can do it."

Despite his poor performance at the French Open Pete Sampras - who was once again ousted in the first round - will certainly look to bounce back at his favourite tournament while compatriot Andre Agassi looked in pretty good shape before falling under Ferrero's shots in the quarter finals.

PA