Venus Williams Needs Rest, Has To Pull Out Of Hobart

Written by: Staff on 5th January 2014

Venus Williams Needs Rest, Has To Pull Out Of Hobart

epa03884297 Venus Williams of the US celebrates after winning a point against Eugenie Bouchard of Canada in their quarterfinal match at the Toray Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo, Japan, 26 September 2013. EPA/KIYOSHI OTA |

WTA organizers were dealt a body blow as seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams withdrew from the pre-Australian Open event to rest after losing a final in New Zealand at the weekend to Ana Ivanovic. Williams, 33, pulled the plug on her participation, with her camp saying she needed to rest before next Monday’s start of the grand slam in Melbourne.

“After a long week during my first tournament of the year, my body needs time to rest and recover,” the number 47 said in a statement, “Unfortunately, I am not able to play this week in Hobart. I sincerely do hope to play there in the coming years.

Williams, a former number one who now plays a shadow of her former game, last won a title in October, 2012, and claimed her last major title six years ago. “I know it was a hard decision and we wish her the best of luck for the Australian Open,” tournament director Mark Handley told local media.

Williams was sighted at Melbourne Park over the weekend as she prepared for a week of private training.

Topics: 10sballs, Ana Ivanovic, Australian Open, Melbourne, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Venus Williams, Wta