Five-time champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open after having a second surgery on her injured foot last month.

Tennis Australia said on its website that Williams, who won the last two Australian Opens, made her decision after receiving further medical advice.

“I know how disappointing it will be for Serena that she’s unable to come back and defend her title at Australian Open 2011. We all know how much she enjoys playing here, and how much she loves her Aussie fans,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said. “Serena is a great champion and we will miss her in January. We send her our very best wishes for a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back to Australia soon.”

Serena, who has been sidelined from the WTA since Wimbledon has announced her withdrawal on her website.

"As I continue to rehabilitate my foot after the second surgery last month, it is with the utmost regret that I am withdrawing from the Hopman Cup and the 2011 Australian Open Championships," Williams said in a statement. "As I recently learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early only caused me further injury and damage. While I desperately want to be back on the court and competing in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, it is imperative for my health that I continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals properly. This decision, though heavy on my heart, is the right one. I am praying for a healthy recovery and I promise my Aussie fans and my fans around the world that I will be back better than ever as soon as I can be."


(Source: Australian Open Tennis Championship 2011)

Serena Williams pulls out of Australian Open