Juan Martin del Potro withdraws from French Open

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro has pulled out of the French Open because of illness.

The world number seven returned to his homeland following his exit from the Rome International last week to receive treatment for a respiratory viral complaint.

However, after a consultation with his doctor, it has been decided that the 24-year-old would not recover in time for the year's second Grand Slam event, which gets underway next week.

"I'm sad to be losing such an important tournament. Logically, it's a tough blow," he said.

Del Potro has become the second big-name withdrawal from Roland Garros within the last 24 hours after Great Britain's Andy Murray opted out with a back injury.