TENNIS in DEPTH.

“It is with deep frustration that I am withdrawing from the WTA Championships at Doha and the Fed Cup Final. Pushed by my desire to return to competition, I trained too hard too soon and re-tore the tendon in my foot. As a result, yesterday morning I had to have another procedure to repair it. I thank everyone for their continued support during this difficult time and look forward with strength and determination to getting back on the court.” Earlier this year, Serena missed all of February, March and April because of a left knee problem. So she closes 2010 having participated in only six singles tournaments, going 25-4 with two titles—at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. She lost the No. 1 ranking last week to Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki, who has yet to win a Grand Slam tournament. Serena also went 18-1 with three doubles titles in 2010, all with Venus as her partner. In singles, Venus went 38-7 with two titles and is No. 4 in this week’s WTA rankings, two spots behind Serena. Venus announced on Oct. 6 that she would be sidelined for the rest of this season because her knee injury.

In August, both Williams sisters told the U.S. Tennis Association they planned to play against Italy in the Nov. 6-7 Fed Cup final on an indoor hard court at the San Diego Sports Arena. “It’s unfortunate about Venus and Serena. The team was really looking forward to having them on the team,” Fed Cup captain Mary Joe Fernandez said in a statement released by the USTA on Tuesday. “We wish them a speedy recovery. Our team is excited to be in final for second straight year and we will give it our all as usual and try to pull off another upset.” Neither Williams has competed for the U.S. Fed Cup team since 2007.

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