Strained knee might not keep Clijsters out of French Open

BERLIN -- Kim Clijsters strained ligaments in her right knee but still hopes to play in the French Open even though she will not be at full strength.

The Belgian, once ranked No. 1, underwent an MRI scan after she injured the knee while chasing down a ball Thursday at the German Open, her website said Friday.

She will be forced to take a week off but can play again after 12 days. The French Open starts May 23.

"In the best case she can play the French Open, but she won't play before," the website said. "She will have to limit her risk-taking and hence ultimately her ambitions."

Clijsters was in the midst of a spectacular return from a 10-month absence because of an injury to her left wrist injury. She also has been troubled recently by a shoulder problem.

She had won 19 of 20 matches before Thursday, including titles at Indian Wells, Calif., and Key Biscayne, Fla.