
Venus Williams has withdrawn from the upcoming Australian Open after suffering an injury during a warm-up tournament.
The 42-year-old had received a wildcard for the Grand Slam, which begins on January 16.
Williams was injured during preparation for the Australian Open at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
There are doubts over the fitness of world number one Iga Swiatek following her withdrawal from a tournament next week.
Poland’s Swiatek, 21, will not compete in the Adelaide International 2 WTA 500 event due to a right shoulder problem.
Three-time big winner Swiatek was in tears after a straight-set loss to American Jessica Pegula at the United Cup mixed team tournament in Sydney on Friday.
Australian world number 173 Kimberly Birrell has taken the wildcard spot for seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams.
It remains to be seen whether British number one Emma Raducanu will compete at the Australian Open after she rolled her ankle at the ASB Classic on Thursday.