Williams’ Return to the Tour is Delayed

Written by: on 20th December 2011
Challenge tennis match Italy vs US
Williams’ Return to the Tour is Delayed

US tennis players Serena Wiliams (2-L) and Venus Williams (2-R) during the 'great challenge' exhibition match against the Italian pair of tennis players Flavia Pennetta (L) and Francesca Schiavone (R) at the Assago Forum, Milan, 03 December 2011. EPA/PIER MARCO TACCA  |

© “DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE” ©

Just when things appeared to be looking good for Venus Williams in her battle to prove still competitive despite suffering from the immune system disease Sjogren’s Syndrome, the former world no.1 has announced she is unable to play the season opening ASB Classic in Auckland which starts in just 13 days time on January 2.

Williams, who was diagnosed with the condition that causes fatigue and joint pain at September’s U.S. Open, appeared to successfully come through a series of exhibition matches in such far-flung destinations as Colombia, Italy and Barbados.

But the seven times major champion, who has not played competitively since conceding her second round match to Sabine Lisicki at New York’s Flushing Meadows had her agent Carlos Fleming contact the organizers in Auckland to offer her apologies.

“We are disappointed to have lost a player of her caliber,” said Auckland tournament director Richard Palmer.

“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’s withdrawal.”

Now there are major doubts whether the former world no.1, currently ranked 103rd on the WTA computer, will be able to contest the Australian Open, that starts on Monday, January 16.

Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic disease where white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands and can cause dysfunction of organs and body systems. It is combated by medication and dietary changes.

© “DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE” ©








10sBalls Top Stories

In Case You Missed It

EUGENIE BOUCHARD NAMED 2018 TENNIS CANADA FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR / EUGENIE BOUCHARD NOMMÉE JOUEUSE DE L’ANNÉE 2018 DE TENNIS CANADA thumbnail

EUGENIE BOUCHARD NAMED 2018 TENNIS CANADA FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR / EUGENIE BOUCHARD NOMMÉE JOUEUSE DE L’ANNÉE 2018 DE TENNIS CANADA

Tennis Canada announced on Wednesday that Eugenie Bouchard is the winner of the 2018 Excellence Awards in the Female Player of the Year and Singles Player of the Year categories.
TENNIS NEWS • CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIPS • TOMMY HAAS, TAYLOR FRITZ, STEVE JOHNSON, MARDY FISH AND MORE thumbnail

TENNIS NEWS • CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIPS • TOMMY HAAS, TAYLOR FRITZ, STEVE JOHNSON, MARDY FISH AND MORE

Time to get tickets to watch! Surly you have heard about The Largest Open Tennis Event in America!
TENNIS NEWS • RAFA NADAL CONFIRMS RETURN TO PRACTICE, EYES ABU DHABI EXHIBITION AND AUSTRALIAN SUMMER thumbnail

TENNIS NEWS • RAFA NADAL CONFIRMS RETURN TO PRACTICE, EYES ABU DHABI EXHIBITION AND AUSTRALIAN SUMMER

According to Uncle Toni, Rafael Nadal was supposed to be back at practice on either Dec. 4 or 5. Well, better late than never!
Conchita Martínez prepara la temporada 2019 de Karolina Pliskova en Tenerife thumbnail

Conchita Martínez prepara la temporada 2019 de Karolina Pliskova en Tenerife

Española y checa ya trabajaron juntas durante el pasado Open de Estados Unidos
ALEJANDRO’S FAVORITE PHOTOS FOR 10SBALLS FROM SOME OF THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENTS thumbnail

ALEJANDRO’S FAVORITE PHOTOS FOR 10SBALLS FROM SOME OF THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENTS

Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia hits a forehand to Kaia Kanepi of Estonia during her second round match at the Nature Valley International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, Great Britain, on Tuesday, June 26, 2018.