Tennis Update: America's Serena Williams pulls out of 2011 Australian Open
According to the official 2011 Australian Open website, America's Serena Williams has officially withdrawn from the championship. Unfortunately, the professional will not be able to hold onto the title that she held for the past two years.
Williams stated, “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."
Serena mysteriously cut her foot at a restaurant in Europe shortly after bagging her 2010 Wimbledon Women's singles title. Furthermore, she has not made an appearance at a tournament since.
“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,” said Williams.
The professional returned to practice twice in September 2010. However, both times she had to put off her comeback. Additionally, she missed the 2010 U.S. Open, the Fed Cup, the season ending Women's Tennis Association tournament
and a number of other tour events. Serena has won the Australian Open five times and is most definitely one of the favourites in Melbourne.
Initially due to a left knee injury, Williams missed three months of the season. In spite of the fact that the American has been out for most of the 2010 tennis season, she held onto her World no. 1 ranking for 123 weeks until
she was replaced by Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki in October 2010.
Tournament director Craig Tiley stated, “Serena is a great champion and we will miss her in January." In the process of recovery, Serena kept herself busy pursuing her business and fashion interests apart from working for her foundation,
which helps educate children in Africa.
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