Venus Williams Withdraws From 2011 U.S. Open Citing Sjögren’s Syndrome

Venus Williams announced that her withdrawal from the 2011 U.S. Open was due to her having Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that affects her energy levels. Williams was able to win her first-round match, but was unable to continue on Wednesday.

The Sjogren’s Syndrome website says that as many as 4 million Americans live with the disease and that 9 of 10 of them are women. The disease is often characterized by dry mouth and dry eyes, and can lead to extreme fatigue and joint pain.

Venus Williams has withdrawn from the 2011 U.S. Open, citing an unspecified illness. She has been fighting a viral infection that has kept her from playing in hard-court tournaments all summer. The two-time U.S. Open champ won her first-round match relatively easily, beating Vesna Dolonts in straight sets, but apparently was not able to continue. She was supposed to play No. 22 seed Sabine Lisicki.

Williams was ranked as high as No. 2 last year, but has since been fighting injuries. The U.S. Open was just her fourth tournament in the past 12 months and she came into this ranked No. 36 in the world.