Tennis icon Venus Williams announced on her website on Monday that she had decided to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Open, as she fights to return from the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome.
Williams remarked that she is planning to return to WTA competitions in February.
"I regret to announce that I am withdrawing from the 2012 Australian Open," Williams posted in her website on Monday.
"After several months of training and treatment, I am making steady progress to top competitive form," she My diet and fitness regimen have allowed me to make great strides in terms of my health and I am very close to being ready to return to WTA competition. I have every intention to return to the circuit in February," she announced.
The Australian Open 2012 will start from Jan 16.
