Venus Williams withdraws from tournament

20/12/2011

Venus Williams has withdrawn from a tennis tournament in New Zealand for health reasons with the Australian Open just weeks away.

The seven-time grand slam winner has pulled out of the ASB Classic in Auckland because she is suffering from Sjogren's syndrome, which causes fatigue and painful joints.

It is an ongoing condition that has affected the player for some time and may put her participation in Melbourne in serious doubt.

Fans planning to enjoy hospitality packages at Wimbledon next summer will hope the condition is soon dealt with, so both Williams sisters can be seen at SW19.

Tournament director Richard Palmer said: "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."

But if they are absent, it will offer opportunities for other stars to steal the show, such as last year's first-time victor in the tournament Petra Kvitova.

She defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 in last year's final.

By Sam Smith