Hobart Organizers Were Stunned With Williams’ Withdrawal “To Rest”

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 6th January 2014

Hobart Organizers Were Stunned With Williams’ Withdrawal “To Rest”

epa03840903 Venus Williams of the US covers up as rain begins to fall during her match with Jie Zheng of China was suspended by rain on the third day of the 2013 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 28 August 2013. The US Open runs through Monday 09 September, a 15-day schedule for the first time. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT |

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 at the weekend as she prepared for a week of private training.

Topics: 10sballs, Ana Ivanovic, Hobart, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Venus Williams