Serena and Venus Williams pull out of China Open 2012 – Tennis News
Sad news for the American tennis fans, as this year’s US Open champion has withdrawn from the upcoming China Open in Beijing. The reigning world number four will not play the WTA Premier Series event next week due to flu, along
with her elder sister, Venus Williams, who is suffering from a lower back injury.
The Williams Sisters confirmed their withdrawal from the mega event a day ago and the tournament organisers announced the sad news on Friday. The absence of these two former world number one contenders will certainly create newer
openings for the other contestants. However, the Williams Sisters will surely be missed in Beijing.
"We would have loved for Venus and Serena to play the China Open this year, but unfortunately players get injured and sick and are unable to compete," Charles Hsiung, a director of the tournament, said.
"We hope that they both recover quickly and look forward to them returning to the National Tennis Stadium in 2013," he added.
Serena has been absolutely invincible throughout this season and has been the real heartthrob of tennis in the recent couple of months. She wrote her name in the history books after completing her Career Golden Grand Slam and winning
her 15th Major championship title in the current circuit. Serena has merely lost four matches this year, winning 53 encounters and six WTA titles, including two Grand Slam trophies. Her withdrawal from the China Open is certainly a huge blow for
the tournament organizers as she was one of the most bankable stars of the event.
On the other hand, Venus’ return to the professional circuit has not been that impactful as it was anticipated. The former top ranked American hasn’t been able to display her vintage form this season and is still struggling with
her fitness issues.
"I was looking forward to playing at the China Open this year, but am currently working through a minor back injury and will unfortunately need more time to recover," she said.
The China Open defending champion, Agnieszka Radwanska, will be seeded at number three this year, while the world number one, Victoria Azarenka will lead the competitive field in Beijing. Maria Sharapova is seeded at number two
in the draw.
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