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Chance · Apr 16th, 2003, 01:16 PM

Serena drops out but Venus confirms for German Open
Posted: Wednesday April 16, 2003 6:04 AM
Updated: Wednesday April 16, 2003 6:18 AM

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Venus Williams confirmed she would be taking part in next month's German Open despite her younger sister Serena pulling out of the tournament.

The WTA Tour announced late Tuesday that world No. 1 Serena had pulled out of the US$1.24 million Berlin tournament, which begins on May 5, to rest and prepare for the rest of the European season.

"Well, at least her sister Venus will be coming," a spokeswoman for the German Open said.

She said tournament director Eberhard Wensky learned of Serena's withdrawal Tuesday evening but heard of the confirmation of world No. 3 Venus at the same time.

"We naturally would have loved to have had Serena, but it can't be," the spokeswoman said.

Serena's decision to skip the Berlin event means the 21-year-old's next scheduled event is the US$1.3 million Telecom Italia Masters, beginning on May 12, in Rome, Italy.

"After playing so many matches at the beginning of 2003, I have decided to take an additional week off to prepare for the European season," said Serena, who holds all four grand slam titles.

She reached the final in Berlin last year but lost in three sets to Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne, who will play in next month's tournament.

Williams also lost to Henin-Hardenne in the final of Charleston's Family Circle Cup last weekend -- the first defeat of the year for the American.

The Berlin event now has confirmation from seven of the women's top 10 players.

Infiniti2001 · Apr 16th, 2003, 01:41 PM

YES!!!

Venus Forever · Apr 16th, 2003, 05:46 PM

THANK YOU JESUS!!

joao · Apr 16th, 2003, 06:22 PM

That's a good move Venus!!!!!!

Does anyone think she'll play 3 weeks in a row, or will she withdraw from Rome?

LucasArg · Apr 16th, 2003, 08:09 PM

YES VENUS!!!!

LucasArg · Apr 16th, 2003, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joao

That's a good move Venus!!!!!!

Does anyone think she'll play 3 weeks in a row, or will she withdraw from Rome?

I hope she plays 3 weeks in a row, she needs to practice on clay for her French crown

LucasArg · Apr 16th, 2003, 08:35 PM

I am so damn Happy!!!

tennisIlove09 · Apr 16th, 2003, 11:38 PM

Vee will have the big four under her belt...

Berlin-Rome-Paris-London

CJ07 · Apr 17th, 2003, 12:40 AM

thats right!
go V!

aisha · Apr 18th, 2003, 03:17 AM

This is GREAT news! I miss me some Venus! Conquer that red clay like we know you can.

tennisIlove09 · Apr 18th, 2003, 04:17 AM

So this is Vee's schedule coming up?

Next Week
Fed-Cup
J&S Cup
Week off
Berlin
Week off
Italian
Week off
Roland Garros

I hope she doesn't burn her self out. I guess having a week off inbetween events is alright

LucasArg · Apr 18th, 2003, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tennisIlove09

So this is Vee's schedule coming up?

Next Week
Fed-Cup
J&S Cup
Week off
Berlin
Week off
Italian
Week off
Roland Garros

I hope she doesn't burn her self out. I guess having a week off inbetween events is alright

I think there is no week of between J&S Cup and Berlin.

Venus_Serena · Apr 19th, 2003, 03:33 PM

there is no week off between the J&S Cup and Berlin and no week off between Berlin and the Italian Open.

3 weeks in a row !!!!!

CJ07 · Apr 19th, 2003, 11:19 PM

I think playing 3 weeks in a row is good for Venus

she'll be match tough for the French, and will have her game all together for the Final

moon · Apr 21st, 2003, 07:26 PM

I'll be cheering her on every step of the way.