Venus Williams has pulled out the upcoming WTA Premier Mandatory tournaments in Madrid and Rome. The seven-times Grand Slam champion hasn’t played since injuring her abdominal muscle at the Australian Open, where she was forced to retire against Andrea Petkovic in the third round.
Before that, the 30-year-old had only played one tournament since 2010 Wimbledon, the 2010 US Open, due to knee problems. Venus has vowed not to return until she is completely healthy which she admittedly wasn’t in Australia when she injured herself. Venus said in a statement that she is back training again and hopes to play in a pre-Roland Garros tournament in Brussels.
As expected, Venus’ sister Serena also pulled out Madrid. Serena is still recovering from the pulmonary embolism and hematoma she suffered in February. Her return date is unknown.?
Also as expected, No. 2 Kim Clijsters also pulled out of Madrid with the ankle injury she sustained while dancing at her cousin's wedding. She is not expected to play Rome either.
Venus fell in the Madrid final last year to Aravane Rezai and reached the quarterfinals of Rome. Currently ranked No. 16, it appears she will fall out of the top 30 after Rome. No. 10 Serena reached the semis of Rome and the second round of Madrid and could fall out of the top 20 after Rome. - Matthew Cronin