Berline, Apr 16: Serena Williams, the no 1 women's tennis player in the world, has withdrawn from next month's German Open, saying she wanted to take an extra week off before coming to Europe.
"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, Williams said in a statement released by the WTA. "My focus right now is to prepare myself both mentally and physically for the upcoming major events in May and June. I regret that I will not be returning to the German Open in 2003 where I have had so much success, but I do look forward to returning to Rome," said Williams winner of the last four grand slam tournaments.
Williams reached the final of the German Open last year, losing to Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne, the same player who snapped Williams' 21-match winning streak this year. Henin-Hardenne upset Williams in the final of the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, South Carolina, handing the American her first loss of the year.



The German Open is slated for May 5-11.


Bureau Report