Venus Williams pulled out from the U.S. Open tennis in New York due to an illness which she says causes fatigue and pain in her joints.
“I have been recently diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain,” she said in a statement on usopen.org.
Before pulling out, Venus defeated Vesna Dolonts of Russia. She was due to play against Sabine Lisicki of Germany in the second round. She was a two-time winner here – in 2000 and 2001.
“I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon,” she added.
Had she progressed, she would have the chance of another showdown with Maria Sharapova (3) or Vera Zvonareva (2) in the later rounds. Venus Williams will surely be missed in this Grand Slam tourney. Another title after a decade would have been a sweeter victory.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Related posts:
Posted in 
Tags: 
