Bethanie Mattek-Sands
replaces Serena Williams for Hopman Cup
Bethanie Mattek-Sands was named as Serena Williams' replacement for the American contingent for the Hopman Cup.
Serena Williams withdrew from both the Hopman Cup and Australian Open as a result of her foot injury, which has seen her sidelined since Wimbledon this year.
Williams expressed disappointment in her inability to return to competition in a statement.
"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.
As I recently learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early only caused me further injury and damage.
"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. This decision, though heavy on my heart, is the right one. I am praying for a healthy recovery and I promise my Aussie fans and my fans around the world that I will be back better than ever as soon as I can be."
Mattek-Sands will be joined by John Isner to represent the USA team at the Hopman Cup, an international team event which starts January 1. The USA team was placed in Group B alongside
Great Britain, Australia and Kazakhstan.
Tournament Director Paul McNamee remarked, "We wish Serena well in overcoming her injury, and look forward to welcoming Bethanie Mattek-Sands as part of a still formidable USA Team."
The Hopman Cup is held in Perth, Australia, and was founded in 1989 by Paul McNamee and Charlie Fancutt. It is named in honour of Harry Hopman, an Australian tennis player and coach
who led Australia to 15 Davis Cup titles. It is a mixed competition featuring male and female players from eight different nations. Last year the Spanish Team of Tommy Robredo and María José Martínez Sánchez won the tournament.
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