Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Sports Network) - After returning to the top
of the women's rankings this week, Serena Williams decided to pull out of the
Dubai Tennis Championships because of a lower back injury.
The reigning Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Olympic champion actually took over the
No. 1 ranking last week in Qatar, marking the sixth time in her career she has
been the top-ranked woman in the world. In doing so, the 31-year-old Williams
became the oldest-ever No. 1.
Williams was scheduled to meet former Wimbledon runner-up Marion Bartoli on
Wednesday.
On Tuesday, former No. 1 and 2010 runner-up Victoria Azarenka pulled out of
Dubai, citing a foot injury. The Australian Open titlist beat Williams in last
week's marquee 1-versus-2 finale in Doha.
The Sports Network