Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open, according to the event's organisers, after suffering an injury at the Auckland Classic. The 42-year-old American took a wildcard to play in Melbourne Park's opening Grand Slam of the year, a match she first entered in 1998 and has advanced to the finals twice, losing both times to sister Serena. "Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB (Auckland) Classic in New Zealand," the Australian Open tweeted late Saturday, AFP reported.
Kim Birrell from Australia will take her place.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, defeated fellow American Katie Volynets 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in Auckland's opening round last week. She lost to Zhu Lin of China in the round of 16, though.
Carlos Alcaraz, the top-ranked man in the world, withdrew from the Australian Open on Friday due to a right leg injury. The tournament begins in Melbourne on January 16.