It’s not been a good year healthwise for the Williams sisters. First, Serena is sidelined with surgery after a pulmonary embolism, and now Venus, 31, has pulled out of the US Open with a diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome.
Williams, who boasts 21 Grand Slam titles, had won her first match of the Open on Monday, beating Vesna Dolonts 6-4, 6-3 in the first round. She was supposed to face 22nd-seeded Sabine Lisicki today however Williams, instead, released a statement, saying:
“I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to… I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”
