Five-time champion Venus Williams pulls out of Wimbledon

Venus williams poses holding her trophy after beating her sister Serena during their final tennis match of the 2008 Wimbledon championships

Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams has pulled out of this year’s tournament because of an ongoing lower back injury.

Williams suffered her earliest French Open exit in 12 years when she crashed to a first-round defeat to Poland’s Urszula Radwanska at Roland Garros last month.

The 33-year-old – who has won seven Grand Slam titles in all – also pulled out of the doubles there with her sister Serena because of her back problem.

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in Wimbledon this year,” Williams said on her Facebook page.

“I am extremely disappointed as I have always loved The Championships, but I need to take time to let my back heal.

“I look forward to returning to the courts as soon as possible, with my goal being to return to Mylan World Team Tennis on July 8th in Washington DC.

“Many thanks to my fans for the love and support and I will be seeing you very soon back on the courts,” said Williams, who won the last of her Wimbledon singles titles back in 2008.