Serena pulls out of Dubai

Serena Williams has pulled out of the $2,000,000 Dubai Open, partly to consolidate her remarkable return to world number one two days ago by focusing on her home tournament, in Miami, in the second half of next month.

"I am just not well - it's my back," Serena explained. "All athletes really get this.

"I really can't move. It would be a horrible performance for you guys. It's just really sad for all of us. I hope to continue here, but unfortunately it won't be this year."

Wednesday's belated and unexpected withdrawal follows that of Victoria Azarenka two days ago, which ensured that Williams would hang on to the top spot at least until the end of the Miami event on March 31st.

Azarenka, who beat Serena to defend her Qatar Open title last Sunday, cited a bruised heel as her reason for pulling out.

AFP