NEW YORK: Former US Open champion Venus Williams withdrew from the last grand slam of the year on Wednesday, revealing she is suffering from an autoimmune disease.
The former world number one quit the tournament before her second-round match against Germany’s Sabine Lisicki then released a statement explaining the extent of her health problems.
”I’m really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year’s US. Open,” she said in the statement.
”I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain.”
Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic disease where white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands. The most common symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth but the illness can also cause dysfunction of other organs and body systems.
Nine out of 10 patients are women and most experience extreme fatigue and joint pain.
Williams has been battling health problems for the past year. She retired from her third-round match at the Australian Open with a hip problem and did not play again until June.
The 31-year-old played only a handful of matches since making he comeback and had not played since Wimbledon, pulling out of recent tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati.
She only resumed practising last week because of what she said was an ”energy-sucking” mystery illness. Andy Roddick, who has been friends with the Williams sisters since they were all small children, expressed his sympathy.
”I do know one thing. I’m very concerned, because if Venus isn’t playing at the US Open, it’s got to be something … She didn’t withdraw because she’s sneezing too much,” he said.
Williams won her opening clash with Vesna Dolonts of Russia 6-4 6-3 on Monday but there were alarming signs.
She looked to be lacking the zip that helped her win seven grand slam singles titles and her voice was hoarse. (Reuters)