Venus Williams Retires From Australian Open Against Andrea Petkovic

Lauren LynchJan 21, 2011

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(January 21, 2011) Venus Williams is now out of the Australian Open after retiring in her match against Andrea Petkovic.

During the warm ups, something appeared to be physically wrong with Williams, though no one could really know the depth of her injury until the match began. Opening the first set with a weak serve, Petkovic easily returned the ball cross-court and Williams didn't even move to her right to retrieve it.

In no time, while Petokovic was up one game over the seven-time Grand Slam champion, Williams bent over in pain and called for a medical timeout. After having a WTA trainer look at the injury, she was told there was nothing that could be done to ease her pain. With no other choice in sight, Williams left the court due to a groin injury.

This now marks the first time that Williams has retired from a Grand Slam singles contest in 251 matches.

Afterwards, Williams addressed whether she believed competing in a major tournament so soon after a knee injury was a good idea.

“When I think of myself and my career, I don't make any excuses ever to myself or anyone,” she said. “For me, it was just important to give 100 percent. I think I learn from experiences like this. If I'm not ready to play or if I'm still hurting, maybe it's better to stop. That's just learning from life. I've learned now more or less what my limits are. Just learn from that the next time.”