Venus Williams pulls out of U.S. Open citing illness

In a rather shocking move, Venus Williams withdrew from the U.S. Open today before her second round match with Sabine Lisicki. Even more shocking was the reason Williams gave for pulling out. She’s recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune called Sjogren’s syndrome. A condition that often gives patients joint pain and fatigue.

Venus released a statement this afternoon.

“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, I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”

A little over a year ago, Williams was the second ranked player in the world but has struggled mightily with injuries since last fall. She’s 31 years old now and still has the game to probably play a few more years with a shortened schedule. Let’s hope for her sake this disease doesn’t force her out of the game completely.

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