Venus Williams has withdrawn from the ASB Classic in Auckland due to health reasons.
Venus Williams Pulls Out Of ASB Classic For Health Reasons
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The seven-time Grand Slam champion had played in a number of exhibition tournaments in the previous month. On Nov. 24, Williams defeated her sister in an exhibition match in Colombia. On Dec. 5, Williams lost a 7-5, 6-3 contest in which the strap to her tennis dress snapped.
However, she will postpone her return to tennis.
Williams also withdrew from the 2011 U.S. Open for health reasons.
Despite the recent exhibition tournaments, the former World No. 1 told her agent Carlos Fleming that she wasn’t ready for the tournament in New Zealand. Williams has been receiving treatment for an autoimmune disease known as Sjögren’s syndrome.
From ASB Classic tournament director Richard Palmer via the New Zealand Herald:
“We are disappointed to have lost a player of her calibre. While withdrawals of this nature are part and parcel of sport, we sincerely feel for the fans who will also be disappointed by the news of Venus’ withdrawal.”
Williams is currently ranked No. 103.
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