Tennis: Venus Williams pulls out of US Open

Former champion Venus Williams has pulled out of the US Open saying she is battling an illness that causes fatigue and joint pain.



The American had been due to play Germany's Sabine Lisicki in round two.



Williams had pulled out the US Open build-up tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati earlier this summer because of a virus, and was playing in just her fourth tournament of 2011.



Former champion Venus Williams has pulled out of the US Open saying she is battling an illness that causes fatigue and joint pain.



The American had been due to play Germany's Sabine Lisicki in round two.



Williams had pulled out the US Open build-up tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati earlier this summer because of a virus, and was playing in just her fourth tournament of 2011.



Meanwhile, third seed Maria Sharapova cruised into round three of the US Open with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Anastasiya Yakimova at the Arthur Ashe Stadium today.



Former champion, Andy Roddick, saw off an attempted fightback from fellow American Michael Russell to secure his place in the second round.



Roddick, who is seeded just 21st, held on to record a 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory over the 33-year-old.



Other winners were marathon man, John Isner, Gilles Simon and Andy Murray.



Later, Roger Federer takes on Dudi Selain round two; while American Serena Williams and Britain’s Elena Baltacha face off.