Williams confirms Australian Open withdrawal
January 10, 2012 16:29:19 UK
Venus Williams has confirmed she will miss the Australian Open this year as she continues to struggle with her health.
Venus Williams has been out of action for nearly five months.The former world number one hasn't played a competitive match since she pulled out of the US Open last August after being diagnosed with auto-immune disease Sjogren's Syndrome.
The 31-year-old had initially been confident she would be fit for the first major of the year in Melbourne but is continuing to struggle with her illness.
As such, the 2003 finalist has finally confirmed she will be unable to play at the Australian Open, but is confident she will return to action in February.
"I regret to announce that I am withdrawing from the 2012 Australian Open," Williams said. "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."
As Williams bows out, the rest of the Australian Open title hopefuls continue their build up, with world number one Caroline Wozniacki surviving a scare to reach the quarter-finals of the Sydney International.
The top seed is 1213.00 to win the WTA event and kept her hopes alive by coming from 4-0 in the third set to beat Dominika Cibulkova 7-5 2-6 6-4.
Wozniacki, who is 17.00 to win the Australian Open, will now face Agnieszka Radwanska in the last eight.
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