Williams withdraws from playing in Family Circle Cup for a 'checkup'

Venus Williams isn't on a hiatus from the WTA Tour. She's just not going to play in next week's Family Circle Cup because of a medical issue, her agent told The Post and Courier on Wednesday.

"Physically, she's fine," agent Carlos Fleming said from Miami. "She told me she has no major problem."

Williams, a six-time Grand Slam tournament winner and currently ranked sixth in the world, had pulled out of the Amelia Island, Fla., WTA Tour tournament on Tuesday, citing medical issues.

"I regret that I will not be participating in the Family Circle Cup next week," Williams said Wednesday.

"I always enjoy coming to Charleston, especially since I've won the tournament in the past and this year marks their special 35th anniversary."

But because of a heavy schedule of tennis events that include three Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympics in the next five months, Fleming said Williams needed a break for medical checkups and tests to make sure she is fit for the demanding schedule.

"It's a function of any professional athlete that they have to be checked up. You have to make sure you are physically ready to play and are healthy. There is no specific medical concern," Fleming said.

The agent said Williams would appear in Charleston on Monday for an autograph session to promote her new exclusive line of clothing, EleVen, as well as make an appearance at the Family Circle Cup probably on Tuesday.

"It's unfortunate that Venus was forced to withdraw due to illness, and we wish her a quick return to the tour," tournament director Robin Reynolds said.

Williams had been scheduled to play the feature singles match Tuesday night at Family Circle Magazine Stadium as part of the tournament's 35th anniversary celebration. Another marquee player for Tuesday night's schedule is expected to be announced soon, but Fleming indicated that Serena Williams may be that player.

Fleming said Venus Williams plans to resume practicing late next week after returning from Charleston, then play in the Italian Open on May 12.

"She's played eight tournament weeks this year on five continents ... two of those were two-week tournaments," Fleming said. "Playing all of those different matches all over the world, she had to make sure her body was OK."