[W] I feel so very sad for all the fervent Serena-darling-fans on this forum i must post this tragic news[:'(] Champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from January's Australian Open as she
struggles to recover from a foot injury which has sidelined her since July.
"As I continue to rehabilitate my foot after the second surgery last month, it
is with the utmost regret that I am withdrawing from the Hopman Cup and the 2011
Australian Open Championships," the winner of 13 Grand Slam singles titles was
quoted as saying in a statement issued by the organisers.
Serena has not played competitively since beating Vera Zvonareva to win
Wimbledon in early July and has been forced to undergo a second surgery on the
foot she hurt by standing on broken glass at a restaurant.
"As I recently learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early
only caused me further injury and damage," the American said.
"While I desperately want to be back on the court and competing in the first
Grand Slam tournament of the year, it is imperative for my health that I
continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals properly."
Australian Open organisers said the player had been in regular contact with them
and tournament director Craig Tiley wished her a speedy recovery.
"I know how disappointing it will be for Serena that she's unable to come back
and defend her title at Australian Open 2011. We all know how much she enjoys
playing here, and how much she loves her Aussie fans," Tiley said.
"Serena is a great champion and we will miss her in January. We send her our
very best wishes for a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back to
Australia soon."
WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD
