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Venus Forced to Withdraw from Advanta Championships
October 26, 2003

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Advanta Championships tournament in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania due to a recurring abdominal strain.

Williams first suffered the abdominal strain at the J&S Cup in Warsaw, Poland at the beginning of May. Williams has not competed on the WTA Tour since Wimbledon, where she reached the final before falling to her sister, Serena Williams.

“I regret that I will not be able to compete in the Advanta Championships in Philadelphia. Right now, it’s important for me to make sure that my body is completely recovered. I am working really hard to get myself back to 100%. The lay off has been difficult but I’m really looking forward to returning to the WTA Tour.”

Williams was due to make her third appearance at the Advanta Championships, reaching the semifinals in 1999 before falling to eventual champion Lindsay Davenport.

“Advanta is committed to tennis for the long haul and we’re very excited about the return of the Advanta Championships after three years,” said Peter Fishbach, Tournament Chairman of the Advanta Championships. “It’s terrific to have the entire United States Fed Cup team playing here in Philadelphia, and that’s just one of the many great things going on this week, both on and off the court.”

Williams’ withdrawal moves a lucky loser into the main draw. No. 2 seed Amelie Mauresmo is the top seed, followed by No. 3 seed Anastasia Myskina and No. 4 seed Chanda Rubin. Slovenian Tina Pisnik moves in as the last seed, becoming the No. 10 seed.