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Champion
Serena Williams has withdrawn from January’s Australian Open as she
struggles to recover from a foot injury which has sidelined her since
July.

“As I continue to
rehabilitate my foot after the second surgery last month, it is with
the utmost regret that I am withdrawing from the Hopman Cup and the
2011 Australian Open Championships,” the winner of 13 Grand Slam
singles titles was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the
organisers.

Serena has not
played competitively since beating Vera Zvonareva to win Wimbledon in
early July and has been forced to undergo a second surgery on the foot
she hurt by standing on broken glass at a restaurant.

“As I recently
learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early only
caused me further injury and damage,” the American said.

“While I
desperately want to be back on the court and competing in the first
Grand Slam tournament of the year, it is imperative for my health that
I continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals properly.”
Australian Open organisers said the player had been in regular contact
with them and tournament director Craig Tiley wished her a speedy
recovery.

“I know how
disappointing it will be for Serena that she’s unable to come back and
defend her title at Australian Open 2011. We all know how much she
enjoys playing here, and how much she loves her Aussie fans,” Tiley
said.

“Serena is a great champion and we will miss her in January. We send
her our very best wishes for a speedy recovery and look forward to
welcoming her back to Australia soon.”