Serena Williams Withdraws From Brisbane International

From Staff Reports

(January 4, 2012) Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Brisbane International because of a left ankle sprain.

The withdrawal comes hours after she defeated Bojana Jovanovski in straight sets to reach the quarterfinal of the tournament. She rolled her ankle during the match, and although she was hobbled she still finished the match in straight sets.

Williams has struggled with injury in the last two years. After she won Wimbledon in 2010, she had to get surgery on her foot because she stepped on some glass.

Then in February of 2011, she was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. She returned to the tour before Wimbledon and reached the US Open final before taking the rest of the year off.

“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.”

The withdrawal advances Daniela Hantuchova's to the semifinal.

Williams joins Ksenia Pervak as the two retirees from the tournament. Pervak retired earlier this week because of a migraine.