PERTH, Australia: Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Hopman Cup because of inflammation in her left knee, a setback in her preparations for next month's Australian Open.
Williams has been replaced by Vicky Duval in the U.S. team for the last Group A match against the Czech Republic on Thursday. Williams withdrew ahead of her season-opening match against Ukraine on Monday, with Duval filling in for her, and retired in the second set against Australia's Jarmila Wolfe on Tuesday.
Hopman Cup organizers confirmed Williams' withdrawal on Wednesday. The U.S. team is 0-2 and cannot reach the final of the international mixed team competition at Perth Arena.