Mauresmo skips US Open to recapture top form

PARIS, Aug 16 (Reuters) Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo has pulled out of the US Open starting on Aug. 27, the Frenchwoman told her Web site today.

The world number seven was quoted on the site (www.ameliemauresmo.fr) as saying she needed time off to recapture her best form.

The former Wimbledon champion has not played since taking part in France's Fed Cup semi-final defeat by Italy just over a month ago.

Before that, the athletic 28-year-old had struggled since returning to action in March after a two-month layoff with appendicitis.

She has not played a tournament since Wimbledon, where her title defence ended with a fourth-round defeat by Czech Nicole Vaidisova.

''As I said a few weeks ago, I need to take time off to recapture my desire to play and to be at my best level,'' Mauresmo, who has also been hampered by a groin problem, told her site.

''I have still not resumed playing in training and under such conditions, taking part in the US Open with a chance of winning is not possible,'' she added.

REUTERS BJR VV1556