• US Open

Williams withdraws from US Open

ESPN staff
September 1, 2011
Venus Williams won her first round match before succumbing to illness © Getty Images
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Venus Williams will take no further part in this year's US Open, and could face another extended stint on the sidelines after confirming she has an illness which causes fatigue and joint pain.

The former world No. 1 pulled out of her second round match against Sabine Lisicki at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday, and later revealed the reason behind her recent ills.

"I have been recently diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome," said Williams. "It is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain."

"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 I am now focussed on getting better, and returning to the court soon."

Williams pulled out of warm-up tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati in recent weeks due to the virus, and was playing in just her fourth tournament of 2011.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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