Tennis star Venus Williams withdrew from the US Open tennis championship Wednesday, citing a recent autoimmune disease diagnosis. Williams, 31 , said in a statement that she is suffering from Sjögren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that causes fatigue and joint pain. "I'm really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year's US Open," she said in the statement, adding that her diagnosis is "an ongoing medical condition." According to the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation website, the disease affects some 4 million Americans, and nine out of ten patients are women. The symptoms include dry eyes and dry mouth and it may also cause dysfunction to such organs as kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. The symptoms occur when white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands.
Coincidentally, Venus's sister, Serena Williams, dropped out of the US Open last summer, due to injury. Venus won at Flushing Meadows in 2000 and 2001 . In her first match in two months Monday, she defeated Vesna Dolonts 6- 4, 6-3 in the first round. She was supposed to face 22 nd- seeded Sabine Lisicki Wednesday. Williams had said she was ill with a virus when she withdrew from tune-up tournaments between Wimbledon and the US Open. "I enjoyed playing my first match here and I wish I could continue but right now I am unable to," she said. "I am thankful that I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon."
TT Owonubi
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