(February 20, 2013) Dubai UAE – World No. 1 Serena Williams has been forced to withdraw from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a lower back injury.

The US Open, Wimbledon and Olympic Gold medalist has succumbed to the injury and will be forced to miss the tournament.

“We were looking forward to seeing Serena play, and are disappointed that this injury has ruled her out” said tournament director Salah Tahlak. “We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to hopefully seeing her back in Dubai next year.”