Tennis superstar Venus Williams says her body would not have handled an appearance at the Hobart International after a gruelling week in Auckland.
The 33-year-old former world No.1 pulled out of the Tasmanian tournament on Sunday.
Williams informed organisers a day after she had lost the final of the Auckland Classic to Ana Ivanovic.
“After a long week during my first tournament of the year, my body needs time to rest and recover,” Williams said in a statement.
“I was looking forward to playing in Tasmania and I sincerely do hope to play there in the coming years.”
Williams lost the Auckland decider to Ivanovic 6-2 5-7 6-4, the American’s first appearance in a WTA final since October 2012.
The seven-time grand slam winner is ranked No.47 after two years disrupted by illness and injury.
Williams was expected to fly straight to Melbourne for practice ahead of the Australian Open beginning next week.
She was unseeded in Hobart and had been drawn to play fifth seed Flavia Pennetta.
Pennetta will now play a lucky loser in the first round.
The withdrawal is a major blow for the usually low-key Hobart tournament, which, with Australian No.1 Sam Stosur, had put together its best field in years.
The two stars were on opposite sides of the draw and expectations were high they could meet in a blockbuster final.
“It’s totally understandable, she’s a superstar,” organiser Mark Handley said.
“That’s life in general on the tour. These things happen.”