Serena Williams, del Potro withdraw from Sony Ericsson Open

Top-ranked Serena Williams, who was going for a record sixth title at the
upcoming Sony Ericsson Open on Key Biscayne, withdrew Friday due to a knee
injury.

Williams injured the knee during the Australian Open and has not played since.

Defending U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, a rising Argentine star,
also pulled out Friday with a wrist injury.

"Obviously, we are disappointed when any of the top players pull out,''
tournament director Adam Barrett said. "When you are talking about one of the
most prolific players in the game, a player like Serena, it is extremely
disappointing, especially for the fans who won't get to see her.

"We want the best players versus the best players, but we still have a great
field with many of the top players in the world. Only difference is this
year, we know Serena won't win it. But if a player isn't at 100 percent and
can't play their best, it's better for them to sit out. We're here for the
long haul. I'd rather see Serena have a long career than have her play in
Miami two weeks and jeopardize her health.''

As for Del Potro, Barrett said the Argentine fans in particular will miss out.

"He's a very exciting player and has been a big draw here,'' Barrett said.
"The good news is, he's young, and I expect him to come back next year and
for 10 or 12 years after that. You're always going to lose some players to
injury, but that doesn't diminish the tournament.''

Williams' older sister, Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, will replace
her as part of the featured night match at 7 on Thursday. Venus Williams has
won three Sony Ericsson Open titles, the last in 2001.

Earlier in the week, former No.1 players Maria harapova and Dinara Safina,
and Nikolay Davydenko all withdrew.

Despite the withdrawals, the tournament features the most impressive field
outside of the Grand Slam events. Among the names are: top-ranked Roger
Federer, No. 2 Novak Djokovic, No. 3 Rafael Nadal, No. 4 Andy Murray
(the defending champion), defending U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters,
seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin, No. 8 Andy Roddick and No.2
Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Qualifying rounds begin Monday. The women's main draw begins Tuesday (a day
earlier than in years past) and the men's main draw begins Wednesday. Federer
opens play next Saturday night.

Tickets are available by phone [phone]) or internet at
www.sonyericssonopen.com. The two-week tournament ends with the women's final
on Saturday, April 3, and the men's final on Sunday, April 4.