Defending Australian Open champion Serena Williams has officially pulled out of the first Grand Slam event of 2011, citing her longstanding foot injury. The 29-year old American had surgery after her cutting her foot on glass in a restaurant after winning the Wimbledon Championships last July.
“As I recently learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early only caused further injury. It is imperative for my health that I continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals,” Williams said in a statement.
Williams has not played competitively after winning the grasscourt Slam event last July and has already withdrawn in other warm-up tournaments leading to the Australian Open 2011.
“The 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,” the five-time Australian Open champion said.
Craig Tiley, Australian Open Tournament Director, said: “Serena is a great champion and we will miss her. We send her our very best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
The Australian Open 2011 tournament will start on January 17.
