VILLANOVA, Pa., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Venus Williams withdrew Sunday from the Advanta Championship with an abdominal strain.
Williams has not played since the Wimbledon final in the first week of July. She aggravated a stomach muscle injury during the semifinals at the All England Club. Her participation in the season-ending WTA Tour Championships is in doubt.
Williams was ranked second behind younger sister Serena earlier in the season. Serena also has not played since winning Wimbledon and underwent knee surgery on Aug. 1. She pulled out of her remaining tournaments, including the Advanta, last week.
The sisters also have been in mourning following the shooting death of their half-sister, Yetunde Price, in Compton, Calif., on Sept. 14.
The Advanta returns to the WTA Tour calendar after an absence of
two years.
