- Venus Williams withdrew from the Hobart International on Sunday while fellow American Sloane Stephens did the same from the Sydney International due to a left wrist injury. Williams' withdrawal came less than 24 hours after losing in the final Auckland WTA tournament final. ''I don't believe she has an injury,'' Hobart tournament director Mark Handley said. ''I just think that she's played a lot of tough, close matches over in Auckland and in the lead-up to a first Grand Slam (of the season) she's not taking any chances.'' Williams was planning to use the Hobart event as final preparations for the Australian Open which begins Jan. 13. More...