Venus Williams pulls out of Doha

DOHA, Qatar, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- World No. 23 Venus Williams says she won't compete in next week's Qatar Open because of a lower back injury.

Williams, 32, once the world's top-ranked player, also is skipping this week's USA-Italy Fed Cup match-up because of the injury.

Williams lost to Maria Sharapova in straight sets in the third round at the Australian Open last month.

The Qatar event will feature current world No. 1 and reigning champion Victoria Azarenka and Williams' younger sister Serena.