• Australian Open

Serena in Aus Open fitness race after Brisbane KO

ESPN staff
January 4, 2012
Serena Williams was on course to meet Kim Clijsters in the Brisbane International semi-finals © Getty Images
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An ankle injury has forced Serena Williams to withdraw from the Brisbane International - but she is hopeful of appearing at the Australian Open, which begins on January 16.

Williams suffered the problem during her straight-sets win over Bojana Jovanovski in the second round on Wednesday, and was subsequently advised to sit out the remainder of the tournament. She had been on course to play Kim Clijsters in a blockbuster semi-final.

"I'm disappointed to have to pull out of the Brisbane International," Williams said. "I have been to hospital and it has been confirmed that I have a left ankle sprain that I probably shouldn't play on. I'm going to take a couple of days off - not too many - and see how I feel. I'm still hopeful of playing the Australian Open.

"It was such an unexpected end to the tournament; I didn't expect to be getting an MRI today. I've had a great time here in Brisbane - the tournament is great, the fans are fantastic and hopefully I'll see them again next year."

Before returning in the run-up to Wimbledon 2011, Williams missed nearly a year due to a foot injury and then a blood clot on her lung.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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