MELBOURNE, Australia -- Five-time champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open after having a second surgery on her injured foot last month.
Tennis Australia said on its website that Williams, who won the last two Australian Opens, made her decision after receiving further medical advice.
She will also miss the Hopman Cup in Perth.
"Serena is a great champion and we will miss her in January," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said. "We send her our very best wishes for a speedy recovery."
Williams successfully defended her title in January with a three-set victory over Justine Henin. She is a perfect 5-0 in Aussie Open finals with additional championships in 2003, '05 and '07.
