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Pierce's future placed into doubt

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LINZ, Austria -- The future of two-time grand slam winner Mary Pierce has been cast into doubt after she suffered a career-threatening injury in the WTA event in Linz.

Pierce was leading Russia's Vera Zvonareva 6-4 6-6 in the final match on Thursday when her left knee gave way.

It is the latest injury blow for the 31-year-old who has played in only eight events this season and French media were speculating on Friday that she may retire.

The world number 29 from France had shown good form against Zvonareva and held three match points in the game before she was forced to quit after a nasty fall.

She cried out in pain and was shortly afterwards taken off court on a stretcher.

A spokeswoman for Linz General Hospital confirmed that Pierce had come to the hospital around midnight to undergo examinations, including X-rays.

Doctors found she had torn the front cruciate ligament on her left knee and recommended she be operated on but she has since left the hospital, perhaps to have surgery in France.

Pierce, who enjoyed a superb 2005 season and reached the final of the French Open, has been plagued by foot injuries this year.

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