Serena out, Safina in Pan Pacific Open field

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:45

Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week’s Pan Pacific Open as she rests knee and toe injuries, organisers revealed on Thursday.

But the tournament received a boost this week when Dinara Safina, world No.1 and defending champion at the Tokyo event, confirmed she will play after missing the initial entry list.

Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Williams has not played on the singles tour since ending her US Open semi-final against Kim Clijsters with a point penalty after losing it with a lineswoman who called her for a second-serve foot fault.

The rest of the women’s world top 10, including Serena’s sister Venus, is among the field at the $2 million event, which also features Maria Sharapova and three Japanese players

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.