American tennis star Serena Williams will miss Australian Open 2011 because of her long-standing foot injury, it was revealed today.
The decision means the Ladies tournament will be without its defending champion in January.
Williams, 29, has not played since winning in Wimbledon in July – it was celebrating that win that she cut her foot on glass in a restaurant, causing the injury that will keep her out of the first Grand Slam of 2011.
In a statement, Williams explained that she needed further rest to heal her injured foot:
“As I recently learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early only caused further injury.”
“It is imperative for my health that I continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals.”
It is not yet clear when Serena Williams will be fit again.
