Bum knee forces Venus pull-out at China open
By Guo Qiang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-09-23 16:47

Third-seeded Venus Williams of the United States.announced Friday here she was pulling out of the China Open tennis tournament due to a knee injury.

"Just sorry to have to say that I have pulled out of the tournament. There's some problem on my left knee area which started from last night's match. I did finish last night's match but I can't play today, you know, not fit to play professional tennis today," Venus told a press conference Friday afternoon.[Xinhua]

"My left knee was hurt after yesterday's clash and I can't go on with the rest of the matches due to the ailing leg,", Williams said at a news conference in Beijing, adding that her days in China have been wonderful and she hoped to reappear at next year's tournament.

Venus told reporters she had sought treatment for the injury, but to no avail.

Venus produced a comfortable win over 54-ranked Spaniard Llagostera 6-3, 6-1 in less than an hour yesterday and cruised to the quarters.

As for the Guangzhou women's Open tournament, Venus said she would appear in Guangzhou, but was unsure whether she whether she would be able to take part in the competition.

"I am not sure whether I am capable of participating the tournament, but 'I will try my best', said the former three-time Wimbledon champion.

Venus expressed her sorry for the Chinese audience and hoped to be back to China Open next year.

Venus's withdraw followed Second seed Lindsay Davenport's pulling out due to the American's chronic bad back.

WTA said it wouldn't punish those who had withdrawn from the tournament due to their exit citing a injury reason.

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