Venus Williams has withdrawn from next week's Sony Ericsson Open in Miami after failing to recover from an abdominal injury.


Unwell: Serena Williams

The three-time champion is still struggling with the problem that forced her to retire in the second game of her Australian Open clash with Andrea Petkovic in January.

Williams told he tournament's website: "I am very sorry to not be playing in the Sony Ericsson Open. It's one of my favourite tournaments on the circuit because it is so close to my home in south Florida." Williams' sister Serena is also missing as she recovers from a foot injury and a blood clot