Venus Williams withdraws from the Rogers Cup citing illness – Tennis News
Venus Williams had looked sick even as she was drawing out Ana Ivanovic as her first round opponent at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Now she’s withdrawn from the tournament citing a viral illness, diagnosed early Sunday. Critics had
been quick to judge that her quitting the tournament had been on account of the winless streak in Canada, but the official announcement made on Monday effectively quells these reports.
Continuing since 1982, Rogers Cup has garnered an enviable reputation as a top Premier 5 event under the WTA Tour Roadmap. The courts in Toronto have attracted top players year after year to the tournament and with many of the
top women players recovering from significant bouts of injury or illness, this year’s draw makes for a strong field in Toronto. Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Kim Clijsters and Maria Sharapova are all featured at the tournament.
Sisters Venus and Serena Williams despite being unseeded players in the tournament were present in the official draw for the Rogers Cup, evidence to their importance for the tournament organisers. Currently ranked at No. 34 on
the WTA Singles’ table, Williams expressed her disappointment on not being able to play in Toronto. "I was really excited to play Toronto," Williams said. "I came here ready to go and was practicing.” However, Sunday’s visit to the doctor halted her still
inchoate campaign right in its tracks. A visibly frustrated Williams chided, "I am extremely disappointed. I'm very sorry to the fans and tournament."
The former World No. 1, Williams had only recently made a comeback following a five month long sabbatical since the Australian Open in January. Her season, plagued by hip and abdominal injuries has been uncharacteristic of Williams’
past performances. She’s played unsuccessfully at Eastbourne in early where she lost to Daniela Hantuchova later clocked in a dismal Wimbledon performance. Williams was dismissed from the Grand Slam in its fourth round by Tsvetana Pironkova. The American’s
win loss record of 7-3 certainly belittles her prowess.
Ana Ivanovic’s match against the retired Williams was supposed to be the highlight of the opening round at the tournament. However now, qualifier Zhang Shuai takes Venus’s vacated berth in the tournament and will have to compete
against Ivanovic in the first round. Lucky loser Lourdes Dominguez Lino gets the extra spot in the main draw.
Despite the fact that the top 25 women tennis players are still in attendance at the Rogers Cup, William’s decision to quit came as a setback to the tournament’s organisers. This is certainly because of her reputation as a prolific
athlete. Tournament Director Karl Hale said that despite being disappointed on this early withdrawal, the reputed tournament will persevere without Williams. Following William’s press release Hale said, "We wish Venus a speedy recovery and look forward to
an exciting week of tennis at the Rogers Cup with WTA stars like Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters."
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