Injury-hit Venus Williams to miss Cincinnati Open

Venus Williams has pulled out of next week's Cincinnati Open after suffering
pains in her left knee.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner, 30, said felt discomfort after returning to
a normal practice schedule last week having not played since Wimbledon.

She said: "My medical advisers and physio have recommended that I refrain
from competition until I am pain free.

"Unfortunately, I am not at a point where I can commit to competing next
week," added the American.

Venus's sister, current world number one Serena Williams, is also missing
from the Cincinnati field.

The 28-year-old cut her foot on broken glass in a restaurant last month, and
faces a battle to be fit for the US Open which begins on 30 August.

Despite the absence of the Williams sisters, the Cincinnati event still
boasts eight top of the 10 players on the WTA Tour, and 26 of the Top 30.

They include defending champion and top seed Jelena Jankovic, defending US
Open champion Kim Clijsters, and three-time Grand Slam winner Maria
Sharapova.

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Venus Williams Pulls Out of Cincinnati Open
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: August 6, 2010


CINCINNATI (AP) -- Tournament officials say knee pain has forced Venus
Williams to withdraw from next week's Western & Southern Financial Group
Women's Open in Cincinnati.

Tournament director Bruce Flory said Friday that officials wish Williams
could compete in this year's tournament, but that the field remains the
strongest it's ever been.

Williams said in a statement that she returned to her normal practice
schedule the last three weeks and began to feel pain in her left knee. She
says she regrets not being able to compete in Cincinnati. Williams says her
medical advisers recommended that she not play until she is pain free.

The tournament will begin Saturday with qualifying play. The main draw starts
Monday.

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Venus Williams Withdraws From Tournament, Cites Left Knee Pain
8/06/2010 9:22 PM ET By Hal Spivack

Venus Williams has withdrawn from next week's Cincinnati Open, citing left
knee pain.

In an announcement on her official Twitter page, Venus noted: "Sorry to my
fans in cinci & the tournament, I am unable to play and am striving to get
better for Montreal. Going to miss you guys this yr."

Venus began to feel pain in her knee while practicing over the last week.
Venus has not played in a tournament since Wimbledon. The main draw at
Cincinnati is scheduled to begin on Monday, and Venus' medical team
recommended that the former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion
should not play until she is totally pain free.

Venus, the tour's No. 4 player at 30 years of age, still hopes to play at the
Rogers Cup in Montreal in preparation for the U.S. Open, scheduled to begin
Aug. 30. The main draw in Montreal is slated to start on Aug. 16.