Both Williams Sisters Now Injured Entering Aussie Open
Posted on January 6, 2006The WTA Tour injury machine shifted into high gear on Friday, just over a week before the Australian Open, when both Williams sisters pulled up lame at an exhibition in Hong Kong.
Serena Williams lost her opening match to Russian Elena Dementieva, then Friday withdrew from the event prior to her match with China's Jie Zheng citing her ongoing knee injury.
"I've developed some swelling in my knee and was advised that I shouldn't play," said the younger Williams sister, who appeared overweight and out of shape at various times in 2005.
Elder Williams sister Venus complained of hip pain during her opening-round win, and Friday lost to Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 6-1. Now Venus says she also has back/pelvis pain.
Serena said the injury experience has put a damper on her exhibition tour in Hong Kong.
"I don't know what to say," Serena said. "I feel really, really awful, it's ruined my whole day to say the least -- my whole week."
It was Serena's first match since suffering a first-round defeat at the China Open in September.
Serena Williams lost her opening match to Russian Elena Dementieva, then Friday withdrew from the event prior to her match with China's Jie Zheng citing her ongoing knee injury.
"I've developed some swelling in my knee and was advised that I shouldn't play," said the younger Williams sister, who appeared overweight and out of shape at various times in 2005.
Elder Williams sister Venus complained of hip pain during her opening-round win, and Friday lost to Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 6-1. Now Venus says she also has back/pelvis pain.
Serena said the injury experience has put a damper on her exhibition tour in Hong Kong.
"I don't know what to say," Serena said. "I feel really, really awful, it's ruined my whole day to say the least -- my whole week."
It was Serena's first match since suffering a first-round defeat at the China Open in September.