Mauresmo eyes Rome return after coughing problem

BERLIN (Reuters) - Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo is hoping to recover in time to play in Rome next week after rib pain forced her to pull out of the German Open in Berlin.

Mauresmo announced on Monday she would not be playing her first round match in the German capital and later explained that the problem had been caused by coughing.

"The pain started because of so much coughing that I haven't been able to take care of since the Fed Cup," Mauresmo said in comments on her Web site ( www.ameliemauresmo.fr ).

"Since I got to Berlin I can't play normal points because the pain is sharp. I got some tests done that revealed that I had to be careful and it was better to pull out of the tournament instead of making things worse.

"I'm disappointed to not play this tournament but I'll do my best to ready for Rome next week."

(Writing by Kevin Fylan, editing by Justin Palmer)