A back injury has forced five-time champ Venus Williams to withdraw from Wimbledon, ending her run of 16 straight showings at the grass-court Grand Slam event, according to Sports Illustrated.
Williams made her announcement via her Facebook page, stressing she hopes to be back in action by July, just in time for a scheduled World Team Tennis match in Washington D.C.
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in Wimbledon this year,” Williams wrote. “I am extremely disappointed as I have always loved The Championships, but I need to take time to let my back heal. Many thanks to my fans for the love and support and I will be seeing you very soon back on the courts.”
The former top-ranked player turned 33 this week and has been struggling with lower-back issues most of this season. Always a strong server, the injury has greatly impacted that part of her game. Back in March, she was forced to withdraw from a third-match Sony Open against Sloane Stephens after the pain again flared up.
Just two-years ago, Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can make it difficult for her to prepare and train as she once did. Despite her condition, she has advanced to two semifinals this year and maintained a top 40 ranking. Currently, she stands at No. 34.
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