CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP)—Serena Williams has withdrawn from the
Family Circle Cup because of the left knee injury that has sidelined her
since she won the Australian Open.

The green clay tournament begins this weekend.

Also pulling out Thursday was defending champion Sabine Lisicki of Germany,
because of a left ankle injury.

Williams said in a statement released by the tournament that her knee “has
not fully healed” and that she looks forward to “returning to the WTA Tour
in Europe.”

The clay-court season picks up in earnest later this month in Europe, leading
to the French Open, which begins May 23.