Foot forces Serena Williams out of Aussie Open
The American, who has not played competitively since winning Wimbledon in July, has also withdrawn from the Hopman Cup, which acts as a warm-up event for the year's opening grand slam event in Melbourne.
She said: "As I continue to rehabilitate my foot after the second surgery last month, it is with the utmost regret that I am withdrawing from the Hopman Cup and the 2011 Australian Open Championships.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"As I recently learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early only caused me further injury and damage.
"While I desperately want to be back on the court and competing in the first grand slam tournament of the year, it is imperative for my health that I continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals properly.
"This decision, though heavy on my heart, is the right one. I am praying for a healthy recovery and I promise my Aussie fans and my fans around the world that I will be back better than ever as soon as I can be."
Williams sustained the injury when she stood on broken glass at a restaurant shortly after claiming her 13th grand slam crown at Wimbledon last summer.