Serena Williams withdrew from Doha w/influenza

Doha, Withdrawals
#40 Petra Mandula HUN right thigh strain
#6 Serena Williams USA flu


Serena out of Qatar Open
Williams has not played since Wimbledon

Wimbledon champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Qatar Open because
of a bout of flu.

Williams has been on the sidelines long-term after undergoing surgery on her
troubled knee.

But her intended comeback at the $600,000 event was put on hold again this
week after falling foul of illness.

"I am really disappointed that I won't be playing Doha," she said. "I have
been battling the 'flu for several days and am not quite 100% well yet."

Despite the setback, Williams insisted her knee was "feeling great".

"I feel I am back in championship form," she said. "I'm anxious to resume
playing and looking forward to getting back on court and seeing my fans."

The 22-year-old could make her return at the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami in
March.