Serena Williams withdraws from Australian Open

    Serena Williams has withdrawn from tennis’ first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open.

    The 36-year-old played her first match last week since giving birth in September.

    She was eight weeks pregnant with daughter Olympia when she won her seventh Australian Open title in 2017.

    The American 23-time Grand Slam winner said: "Although I am super close, I'm not where I want to be."

    Britain's Andy Murray also announced that he has pulled out of the tournament due to an ongoing hip injury.

    The Australian Open starts on 15 January.

    More from Sport

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • The Golden Era The Golden Era

      The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.