Venus Williams pulls out of Hobart International

Former top-ranked Venus Williams has withdrawn her participation at the Hobart International this week. The 33-year old American already informed the organizers about her decision on Sunday, just less than 24 hours after losing in a thrilling three-set final of the ASB Classic in Auckland to Ana Ivanovic.

Hobart Tournament Director Mark Handley said that there was no indication that Williams suffered an injury.

“I don’t believe she has an injury,” he said.

“I just think that she’s played a lot of tough, close matches over in Auckland and in the lead-up to a first grand slam (of the season) she’s not taking any chances,” he added.

The 47th-ranked American is now slated to go straight to Melbourne to practice and prepare for the Australian Open 2014 tournament which starts in a week’s time.

Williams was slated to face Italian Flavia Pennetta in the opening round but she will be replaced instead by a lucky loser.

The Hobart International is headed by Australia’s Samantha Stosur. Williams withdrawal was admittedly a great blow to the tournament.

“It’s totally understandable, she’s a superstar,” Handley said. “That’s life in general on the tour. These things happen.”

Meanwhile, Williams released her statement about the development via the tournament’s official website.

“After a long week during my first tournament of the year, my body needs time to rest and recover,” she said.

“Unfortunately, I am not able to play this week in Hobart. I was looking forward to playing in Tasmania and I sincerely do hope to play there in the coming years,” Williams added.