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Questions Remain on Venus Williams' Health

   VOA News 07 January 2011
   American tennis player Venus Williams serves against Li Na of China in
   the  third days of the Hong Kong Classic exhibition tournament, 07 Jan
   2011

Photo: AP

   American tennis player Venus Williams serves against Li Na of China in
   the  third days of the Hong Kong Classic exhibition tournament, 07 Jan
   2011

   Health  issues  seem  to  still  be  a concern for five-time Wimbledon
   tennis champion Venus Williams.
   The  injury-stricken  American  star  crashed to a second defeat in as
   many  days  in  Hong  Kong  Friday.  Those losses leave her fitness in
   question  as  she prepares for the first Grand Slam event of the year,
   the Australian Open which begins January 17.
   The  30-year-old  Williams  was  seen clutching her stomach as she was
   beaten  in  straight sets by Chinese ace Li Na (6-3, 7-6) at the World
   Team Challenge exhibition tournament. Asked about the apparent problem
   in  a post-match press conference, she appeared to avoid the question,
   saying  she  tried  her  best and just pushed herself to play her best
   tennis.
   Last year Williams suffered a nagging left knee injury that forced her
   into a long lay-off after losing to eventual champion Kim Clijsters in
   the U.S. Open semi-finals in September. She had not played before that
   since being defeated in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in June.