Venus Williams withdraws from Australian Open

Jan 9, 2012, 22:22 GMT

Melbourne - 2003 finalist Venus Williams on Tuesday withdrew from the Australian Open, saying her lack of fitness will not permit her to play the first major of the season.

Younger sister Serena is trying to heal an ankle injury in hopes of being on the starting line for the family when the event begins on Monday.

Venus said on her webpage that she is still not fit enough for the stress of a major as she controls Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue and joint pain. She was first diagnosed with the problem last summer and played one match at the US Open before pulling out, the last time the 31-year-old stepped onto a court.

The number 100 looks to be nearing the end of a career which has yielded seven Grand Slam titles.

'I regret to announce that I am withdrawing from the 2012 Australian Open. After several months of training and treatment, I am making steady progress to top competitive form,' said the five-time Wimbledon winner on her website.

'My diet and fitness regimen have allowed me to make great strides in terms of my health and I am very close to being ready to return to WTA competition.'

Williams has not been past the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park since her final nine years ago.

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