Williams withdraws from Paris Open

25 January 2013 20:02

Former world number one Venus Williams has pulled out of next week's Paris Open and February's Feb Cup match against Italy due to injury.

The American, who lost in the third round of the Australian Open to Maria Sharapova this month, announced in a statement a back injury was the cause for her withdrawal.

Williams has been struggling to get back to her best form after battling a serious autoimmune disease in 2011 and was one of the main drawcards at the French event, where the the top seed will be Italian world number seven Sara Errani.

"This event was really important to me and to continue climbing up in the rankings. Unfortunately, I've suffered a back pain which has forced me to rest and miss both the Paris event and the Fed Cup the following week," Williams said.