{blackbabes} Venus withdraws from Rogers Cup

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TORONTO -- Venus Williams withdrew from the Rogers Cup on Sunday with a viral illness.

The 31-year-old tennis star had been scheduled to play a first-round match Tuesday against Ana Ivanovic.

Williams will instead be replaced by qualifier Zhang Shuai, while the extra slot in the draw went to Lourdes Dominguez Lino.

Williams, ranked 34th in the world, has had a year to forget after hip and abdominal injuries forced her to miss several tournaments.

"I was really excited to play Toronto," Williams said in a statement. "I came here ready to go and was practising. I wasn't feeling very well and had to see the doctor today. I was diagnosed with a viral illness and unfortunately am unable to play. I am extremely disappointed. I'm very sorry to the fans and tournament."

Venus' sister Serena Williams is still scheduled to play her opening round match Tuesday against Ukraine's Alona Bondarenko.