Fresh off win in Germany, Safina withdraws in Rome

ROME -- Dinara Safina pulled out of the Italian Open on Monday due to a back injury.

The 14th-ranked Russian won the biggest title of her career Sunday, beating Elena Dementieva in three sets at the German Open.

Two years ago, Safina reached the Italian Open final but lost to Martina Hingis.

Top-ranked Justine Henin and two-time champion Amelie Mauresmo previously pulled out of this clay-court warmup for the French Open, which begins in less than two weeks.

Sybille Bammer became the 19th-seeded player and lucky loser Ekaterina Makarova entered the draw in Safina's place.