Wicked Backhand» Venus Williams http://www.wickedbackhand.com Tennis Tips and News Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:48:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Venus Williams Withdraws From US Open, Future in Doubt http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/31/venus-williams-withdraws-from-us-open-future-in-doubt/ http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/31/venus-williams-withdraws-from-us-open-future-in-doubt/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:45:53 +0000 Jeremy http://www.wickedbackhand.com/?p=195 Venus Williams has withdrawn from the U.S. open due to Sjogren’s Syndrome. Just a few days ago it looked like the former best tennis player on earth was on her way back to the top. Less than an hour before Wednesday’s second-round match against Wimbledon semifinalist Sabine Lisicki – which was considered the most anticipated match of this young tournament, the unexpected announcement was made.

So where does Venus go from here? Her future definitely seems in doubt. At age 31 time is no longer on her side as it has been in past years. Many are left wondering whether or not the phenom will ever be a major factor in the world of women’s tennis again.

Venus Williams released this statement:

“I’m really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year’s U.S. Open. I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain.”

The syndrome destroys the glands that produce tears and saliva and can affect the kidneys, lungs and blood vessels. The body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Complications – although rare, can include kidney failure, lymphoma and pulmonary infection. Of the 4 million Americans who are afflicted with the condition, nine out of 10 are women.

This is a sad day for the world of tennis. One of the best players to ever grace the court may not be able to go out on her terms. This has to be hard. Hopefully she still has some tennis ahead of her, but right now it does not look good for Williams.

]]> http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2011/08/31/venus-williams-withdraws-from-us-open-future-in-doubt/feed/ 0 Serena Joins US Fed Cup Team http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/08/serena-joins-us-fed-cup-team/ http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/08/serena-joins-us-fed-cup-team/#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2007 03:08:50 +0000 Kelly http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/08/serena-joins-us-fed-cup-team/ It’s official–Australian Open champion Serena Williams will join her sister Venus on this year’s American Fed Cup team. The Williams sisters will play in the quarterfinals against Belgium scheduled for April.

Fed Cup Team Captain Zina Garrison announced to tennis fans today: “We are thrilled to have Serena back on the US Fed Cup team, especially after her tremendous victory at the Australian Open. The last time both Serena and Venus were on the court for a US Fed Cup team was 2003, so it will be an exciting time to see the sisters together again.”

Venus and Serena joined forces in 1999 to win the Fed Cup honors for the US; their combined Fed Cup record is an impressive 19-3. Garrison has until ten days prior to the quarterfinals to designate the two women that will complete the 2007 US Fed Cup tennis team.

]]> http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/08/serena-joins-us-fed-cup-team/feed/ 0 Venus Leads US Quest for Fed Cup http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/07/venus-leads-us-quest-for-fed-cup/ http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/07/venus-leads-us-quest-for-fed-cup/#comments Thu, 08 Feb 2007 04:49:40 +0000 Kelly http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/07/venus-leads-us-quest-for-fed-cup/ The United States meets Belgium in the first round of play for the Fed Cup on April 21-22 in Florida at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center. US Fed Cup captain Zina Garrison picked Venus Williams to lead the US against Belgium and hopes to persuade her sister (and Australian Open champion) Serena to join the team as well. Other possibles include Vania King, Ashley Harkleroad, and doubles expert Lisa Raymond.

The US may have an easy first round of it as neither of Belgium’s two top female players will be able to make this year’s Fed Cup. Both world number two Justine Henin and world number four Kim Clijsters have pulled out of the competition; each blames a heavy schedule for her withdrawal. Belgium’s third best player, Kirsten Flipkens, is currently ranked 104th.

]]> http://www.wickedbackhand.com/2007/02/07/venus-leads-us-quest-for-fed-cup/feed/ 0