By Lauren Lynch
Photo Credit: Mark Howard
(April 23, 2010) The Rome departure list continues to grow.
Fernando Gonzalez, who was upset by Spanish qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Barcelona on Wednesday, announced he has withdrawn from next week's Rome event due to lingering issues with his right knee.
The 29-year-old Chilean was the 2007 Rome runner-up to Rafael Nadal.
Italian Fabio Fognini replaces the 2009 French Open semifinalist in the field.
"I have bad news. I won’t be at Rome tournament due to the problems I’ve been having in my right knee," Gonzalez announced on his official web site.
Gonzalez joins Juan Martin del Potro, Andy Roddick, Tommy Robredo, Nikolay Davydenko, David Nalbandian, Gilles Simon, Ivo Karlovic, Radek Stepanek and Tommy Haas in pulling out of Rome.
In other Gonzo-related news, the 2008 Olympic silver medalist announced he is no longer working with coach Martin Rodriguez and the pysical trainer Carlos Burgos.
"We completed a cycle that was very important in my career," Gonzalez said. "I am very grateful for everything I shared and learned with them and wish them the best of luck."