Argentina's David Nalbandian gave up the French Open on Tuesday for a hamstring problem that flared up recently at the Madrid Masters.

The 28-year-old two-time French Open semi-finalist's ranking has slipped to 150 after he spent nine months off the circuit last year following surgery on a hip problem.

"David will not be at the second Grand Slam of the season because he is suffering from a hamstring injury that flared up when he returned to the court," said a statement on the player's website.

"Having pulled out of the Madrid Masters, David hoped he would be fit enough for Roland Garros, but after consulting his medical team he decided that it was best not to put his health at risk and to use this time to work towards a total cure."

Another top Argentine player, U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, will also miss the French Open, which gets underway on May 23, but is hoping to be fit for Wimbledon, where he was a finalist in 2002.