SERENA WILLIAMS WITHDRAWS FROM ROGERS CUP PRESENTED BY NATIONAL BANK

Foot surgery forces World Number One to miss all tournaments leading up to US
Open

Serena Williams announced today that a foot surgery will force her to miss
the entire summer hardcourt season leading up to the U.S. Open including the
Montreal, Cincinnati and Istanbul events. Last week, Williams was cut on a
broken glass while at a restaurant. She hopes to return for the US Open.

"I'm so upset that I won't be able to play in the upcoming events because of
this foot surgery," said Serena Williams. "Thank you for all of your support
and I can’t wait to get back on the courts. "

As a result, 42 of the Top 45 players in the world will be at Uniprix Stadium
from August 13-22 to compete in the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank.

"Obviously this is disappointing, but it doesn’t take away from the fact
that this summer, we will have one of the most impressive player fields in
years," said Tournament Director Eugène Lapierre. "With Jelena Jankovic,
Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Samantha Stosur, Elena Dementieva, Kim
Clijsters, Francesca Schiavone, Maria Sharapova and all of the other top
players including our top Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak, the fans are going to
be treated to quite a show and and it promises to be a heated battle for this
year's Rogers Cup crown."

Williams will not be eligible for the $400,000 bonus that is given at the end
of the year to a World No. 1 player who competes in all Premier events.