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Two-time US Open champion Venus Williams has withdrawn from the final Grand Slam tourament of the year that starts here on Monday because of injury.
"Venus Williams, the No. 30 seed in the womens singles draw, announced her withdrawal from the field on Friday, citing continued pain in her left wrist," the US Tennis Association said in a statement posted on its website.
Williams said in a statement released by her agent Carlos Fleming: "I have many great memories from competing at the US Open and I regret that I will not be able to participate in 2006,"
Williams, who was scheduled to play Poland's Marta Domachowska in the first round, won the US Open singles title in 2000 and 2001.
The 26-year-old has struggled for most of the year and is without a title win since her stunning victory at Wimbledon in 2005.
Her wrist has troubled her since her third round exit at this year's Wimbledon, and she withdrew from several North American hardcourt tournaments in the build-up to the Open.
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Tennis-USA-Open-Venus
AFP 251930 GMT 08 06
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