HOBART, Australia – Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Hobart International less than 24 hours after losing the Auckland WTA final.
The 33-year-old American informed organizers of her decision on Sunday. Tournament organizer Mark Handley said there was no indication Williams had an injury.
Williams lost 6-2 5-7 6-4, to Ana Ivanovic at Auckland on Saturday. It was Williams' first final since winning her 44th career title at Luxembourg in October 2012.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion's ranking has fallen to 47th as she has battled injuries and Sjogren's syndrome, a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease, over the past two years.
Williams was planning to use the Hobart event as final preparations for the Australian Open which begins Jan. 13. She lost in the third round at Melbourne Park last year.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.