Venus Williams Diagnosed With Sjogren’s Syndrome Pulls Out Of US Open

Tennis star Venus Williams has announced she’s been diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an auto-immune disease that creates fatigue and joint pain. Williams pulled out of the US Open today just an hour before she was scheduled to face off against  Sabine Lisicki, and two days after she won her first match in convincing fashion.

This has been a rough year health wise for both Venus and her sister Serena. Venus sat out two months after Wimbledon due to a viral disease and had missed most of the year with abdominal muscle problems. Altogether, she has played in just 11 matches this year, going 8-3, and is ranked 36th in the world.

“I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to,” Venus Williams said in a statement. “I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”

Sending Venus tons of love and positive light!