• WTA Tour

Williams withdraws from Charleston

ESPN staff
April 9, 2010
Serena Williams has failed to shake off a knee injury © Getty Images
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World No. 1 Serena Williams has pulled out of next week's Family Circle Cup in Charleston after failing to recover from a knee injury.

Williams has not played since winning her 12th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, where she denied Justine Henin the fairytale comeback. Williams withdrew from the event last year with a leg injury, missing out on the chance to defend her Charleston title, and she will miss the $700,000 event once again.

"I was really hoping my knee would heal in time to play the Family Circle Cup, as it's one of my favourite stops on the Tour," said Williams. "Unfortunately my knee has not fully healed in time and I am now looking forward to returning to the WTA Tour in Europe."

Maria Sharapova and defending champion Sabine Lisicki will also miss the clay-court event which starts on Monday. Former world No. 1 Sharapova is suffering with an elbow injury, while Lisicki, who beat Caroline Wozniacki in the final last year, was forced to withdraw with an ankle injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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