Venus to miss Aus Open amid Swiatek uncertainty
Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to injury and Iga Swiatek's participation could be in doubt.
American great Williams was given a wildcard for the first grand slam of the year but suffered an injury setback at the ASB Classic this week.
Williams was beaten by Zhu Lin of China in the second round of the tournament in Auckland on Thursday and it was revealed she will not play at Melbourne Park.
The 42-year-old, who has shown incredible longevity in her illustrious career, is a seven-time grand slams singles champion and winner of 14 major doubles titles.
Williams won four of her grand slam doubles crowns at the Australian Open and lost her two singles finals in 2003 and 2017.
Australian Kim Birrell has been awarded Williams' wildcard place nine days before the tournament gets under way.
Meanwhile, world number one Swiatek has withdrawn from the Adelaide International 2 next week due to a shoulder injury.
Swiatek was in tears after she was beaten by Jessica Pegula while representing Poland against the United States in the United Cup on Friday.
