Venus Williams has pulled out of the 2023 Australian Open, due to an injury sustained this week at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The 42-year-old Williams started this new season on a good note, with a straight-set victory over qualifier Katie Volynets in the first round of the ASB Classic. It was the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s first match win since Wimbledon 2021. However, bad luck struck already in her second match in Auckland, as not only did she lose to Zhu Lin, but in the closing stage of the match she injured/strained her leg and started limping.
The Australian Open has now announced on Twitter that Williams will miss the Grand Slam and that she will be replaced in the draw by Australia’s Kim Birrell, who will be awarded the American’s wildcard place.
