Venus Williams is Expected to Play in the Australian Open

Written by: Staff on 23rd December 2011

Venus Williams is Expected to Play in the Australian Open

US Venus Williams returns the ball to Italian tennis players Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone during the 'great challenge' exhibition doubles match at the Assago Forum, Milan, 03 December 2011. EPA/PIER MARCO TACCA |

Venus Williams may have withdrawn unexpectedly from her intended 2012 start in New Zealand, But Australian Open officials profess “no worries” about the veteran American’s arrival at their event which begins January 16.

“I wanted to touch base but there’s no change for her. She’s coming,” optimistic tournament boss Craig Tiley told The Australian newspaper.

Williams, 31 and lagging at 104 in the WTA rankings, pulled out of the WTA Auckland start, citing health concerns. But both the Williams’s handlers and Open officials went quickly into damage control mode with promises that the seven-time major winner will truly be on her way to Melbourne.

With year’s-long Williams sister track record of only playing when they want and going their own way off court, it’s anyone’s guess as to the intentions of Williams. Only a few months ago, Serena begged off a tournament with injury but only a few days later appeared at the Hollywood wedding of Kim Kardashian. Neither sister bothered with any autumn WTA events after New York three months ago.

Venus quit after one match at the Open due to a chronic illness which results in joint pain. She is trying to control it with diet, focusing on vegetables.

She also had characterized herself as fit before her New Zealand pullout, saying that she planned to play a full 2012 schedule.

Williams, ranked 104, last competed at the US Open but withdrew ill after playing just one match. She featured in the 2003 Australian final but has not been past the quarter-finals since then. She played only 11 matches last season and has not won a title in nearly two years.

Topics: Venus Williams