Struggling Serena out of Bastad

World number one Serena Williams has pulled out of next week's Swedish Open after failing to recover from the illness which dramatically ended her Wimbledon campaign.
The 32-year-old American star, who was the defending champion at the Bastad claycourt event, withdrew from the Wimbledon doubles event after suffering from what the WTA described as a "viral illness".
"I decided not to play in Bastad, because I am still not feeling 100%," Williams said in a statement released on Thursday.
"I want to be in perfect condition to go back on court, but unfortunately it's not the case. I really hope to be able to get back to training from next week.
"Bastad was my favourite tournament I played in last year, thus I am very disappointed not to come back there. But there is still next year, so I can't wait to go back there."
Williams was a fourth-round loser in singles at Wimbledon before she retired from her doubles second-round tie with sister Venus after almost fainting and serving up four double faults in a performance which made for uncomfortable viewing.
Source: AFP