Venus Williams had to withdraw from the Australian Open due to a hip injury. Image by alphababy.
Venus Williams, the American’s final hope for a shot at the 2011 Australian Open crown on the women’s side, was forced to retire from the tournament. This marks the first time in her 17 years as a professional tennis player that she has retired from a Grand Slam singles match.
During the final point of the first set in her match against Sandra Zahlavova, Williams screamed in pain after losing the point, hobbled over to her chair, then limped off the court to be treated. It was uncertain whether or not she’d be back for the remainder of the match, but she did indeed return with a look of sheer determination and can’t lose attitude.
Williams pulled off a win with a tightly wrapped upper right leg. She worked to grind out a 6-7, 6-0, 6-4 victory.
In Friday’s match against Andrea Petkovic, things started out somewhat normal. After just seven points, however, Williams decided to withdraw from the match due to her injury. This move advanced Petkovic to a fourth round match to face Maria Sharapova. A match many tennis fans hoped would be between Williams and Sharapova.
Williams holds seven Grand Slam titles, but doesn’t include an Australian Open title. The closest she’s come is the finals where she lost to her sister, Serena Williams.
