Spain’s David Ferrer has pulled out of Wimbledon with an elbow injury. The 33-year-old eighth seed was due to face Britain’s James Ward in the first round at SW19, but has been forced out of action.
Ward will now take on the lucky loser Luca Vanni of Italy, ranked No100 in the world, on Tuesday.
Ferrer could have been a potential quarter-final opponent for 2013 champion Andy Murray, but his withdrawal may also prove a boost for compatriot Rafael Nadal, also in the same half of the Wimbledon draw.