Williams withdraws from ASB Classic in Auckland

The Australian Open has been put in doubt after she withdrew from January's ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand because of ongoing health issues.

The 31-year-old former world number one has been receiving treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome.

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, begins on January 16.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner, who is currently ranked 103 in the world, had been handed a wildcard entry to the tournament.

However, the competition’s website announced Williams had told her agent, Carlos Fleming, that she was not fit to take part despite recent exhibition match appearances.