Serena Williams withdraws from Australian Open

    Serena Williams has withdrawn from tennis’ first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open.

    The 36-year-old played her first match last week since giving birth in September.

    She was eight weeks pregnant with daughter Olympia when she won her seventh Australian Open title in 2017.

    The American 23-time Grand Slam winner said: "Although I am super close, I'm not where I want to be."

    Britain's Andy Murray also announced that he has pulled out of the tournament due to an ongoing hip injury.

    The Australian Open starts on 15 January.

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