Former World number one and 10-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has pulled out of the Brisbane International siting “setbacks in training” as the reason for her withdrawal.
The 39-year-old still hopes to contest in the Adelaide event scheduled for January 11-18.
Venus qualified for Brisbane after receiving a wildcard but having pulled out the organizers says a replacement will be announced on Thursday.
While expressing disappointment over not being able to compete at Brisbane, the 52nd ranked, first of the Williams sisters seem to have accepted the situation and shifted attention to the next event;
“Unfortunately I won’t be starting my season in Brisbane due to an unexpected setback during my training,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.
“I look forward to being in Australia in the New Year and will see everyone at Adelaide.”
We wish Venus well and hope to see her in Adelaide.