EUROSPORT - Venus Williams has pulled out of next week's season-ending Tour Championships with what the WTA Tour described on Friday as an "irritated left wrist." Tour chief executive Bart McGuire stated, "This is very disappointing news for the Tour, our title sponsor Sanex, the event's organisers, the Olympiahalle and the people of Munich."
Williams had previously withdrawn from this week's Linz Open in Austria to rest the wrist in the hopes of playing this coming week in Munich. The withdrawal could cost Williams $140,000 in year-end bonus money. Bonus pool funds are awarded to top-ranked players who fulfil their commitments to play in a minimum number of 17 tournaments per year, including in particular the Championships.
If she petitions the Tour to avoid this bonus deduction, Williams will be subject to an examination by a physician named by an independent panel formed by the Tour. "We will need to verify the extent of Venus's injury as it pertains to her ability to meet her commitment to the Championships," added McGuire.
"The Tour's rules provide for such verification. In addition to losing her bonus pool funds, Venus could be subject to sanctions under the Tour's Code of Conduct if the injury cannot be verified."
Despite Venus's withdrawal, her sister Serena has reconfirmed her intent to play in the Championships and Anke Huber qualified on Thursday for the event.
The popular German, who is retiring at the end of the year, will play her final tournament in her home country. "It is very disappointing to lose Venus but this is where the depth of our Tour truly shines," said Tour chief operating officer Josh Ripple.
"Seven of our top 10 players will be in Munich to battle for the title including newly crowned world number one Jennifer Capriati, a surging number three Lindsay Davenport, and the two Belgian stars, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin."
The Championships, with $3,000,000 in prize money, feature the top 16 qualified women's singles players in the world and top eight doubles teams<br />