Black Tennis Pros

On Wednesday morning organizers stated that former world number one, Serena Williams has pulled out of the Western and Southern Open, Cincinnati, Ohio with a toe injury.

Yet, anyone watching her match against Lucie Hradecka, CZE on Tuesday could see just how fatigued Serena was.

Williams was due to face Australian 10th seed Samantha Stosur in the second round, in a rematch of the Toronto Cup final she won on Sunday.

The 13-times grand slam champion suffered an "aggravation of a right toe injury" a statement from the organizers said.

Williams has won her last two tournaments since returning to competition in June after 11 months out with injuries and health problems.

After her straight sets victory over Czech Lucie Hradecka on Tuesday, Williams said she was wary of becoming tired before the U.S. Open later this month.

"I definitely don't want to overdo it. My main goal right now is obviously to do well," said Williams.

"And nothing against Cincinnati or Toronto or the Stanfords that I played, but this is all preparation. Everyone is preparing for the U.S. Open. So I have to be smart and make sure it's not too much."

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CINCINNATI, Ohio (AFP) — Venus Williams has pulled out of WTA Tour's Western and Southern Open tournament, complaining of a viral illness, organizers said on Friday.

It is the second consecutive year the American has withdrawn from the event as she skipped the 2010 tournament with a sore knee.

The world No. 34 was forced to withdraw from this week's Rogers Cup in Toronto with the same illness.

"I regret not having the opportunity to compete in the Western and Southern Open this year," Williams said. "I am making progress towards recovering from a viral illness that began affecting me last week, and have plans to return to the practice court in the coming days. I am optimistic that I will be ready for the US Open at the end of this month."

The 31-year-old American has been limited to three tournaments this year because of injuries and illness. She retired at the Australian Open in January because of a right hip injury and contended with hip and abdominal ailments through May.

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TORONTO — Venus Williams withdrew from the WTA Tour's Rogers Cup starting on Monday because of illness, according to organizers.

Williams said she wasn't feeling well and consulted a doctor on Sunday.

She was diagnosed with a viral illness and said she was "extremely disappointed" she won't be able to play in Toronto.

Qualifier Zhang Shuai of China steps into Williams' first-round match Tuesday against former world number one Ana Ivanovic of Serbia.

Lourdes Dominguez Lino got the extra berth in the draw.

The strong Rogers Cup field still includes Williams' sister, Serena, and world number one Caroline Wozniacki, No. 2 Kim Clijsters and No. 5 Maria Sharapova.

Serena Williams, who missed 11 months with a string of health problems, returned in June and won the WTA title in Stanford in late July.

Venus Williams, ranked 34th in the world, has had a disappointing season hampered by hip and abdominal injuries.

"I was really excited to play Toronto," Venus Williams said in a statement. "I came here ready to go and was practicing. I wasn't feeling very well and had to see the doctor today.

"I was diagnosed with a viral illness and unfortunately am unable to play. I am extremely disappointed. I'm very sorry to the fans and tournament."

The talent-laden Toronto tournament is a tuneup for the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open that starts on August 29 in New York.

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