Venus pulls out of Australian Open

 

Originally published on: 10/01/12 10:55

Venus Wiliams has withdrawn from the Australian Open because of illness.

The 31-year-old American, who revealed last September that she was suffering with Sjogren’s syndrome, previously pulled out of this month’s ASB Classic in Auckland but hoped to be fit for the first Grand Slam of 2012, only to announce her withdrawal in a statement on her website.

“I regret to announce that I am withdrawing from the 2012 Australian Open,” the statement read.

“After several months of training and treatment, I am making steady progress to top competitive form.

“My diet and fitness regimen have allowed me to make great strides in terms of my health and I am very close to being ready to return to WTA competition.

“I have every intention to return to the circuit in February.”

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