NEW YORK — Two days after playing her first match in two months, Venus Williams pulled out of the U.S. Open on Wednesday, revealing she recently was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain.
“I enjoyed playing my first match here, and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to,” Williams said. “I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”
Williams, who ousted Vesna Dolonts 6-4, 6-3 in the first round, was supposed to face 22nd-seeded Sabine Lisicki in the second round Wednesday.
According to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation website, the disease is a chronic autoimmune illness in which people’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Common symptoms include dry eyes and dry mouth. As many as 4 million Americans have the disease.
In rare cases, it can cause arthritis and joint pain, said Dr. John Fitzgerald, director of clinical rheumatology at UCLA. Fitzgerald is not involved in treating Williams and does not know her symptoms or medical history. But, he said, if Williams has the typical symptoms, “It does not seem life-threatening or career-ending.”
Two-time French Open semifinalist Robin Soderling also pulled out shortly before his first-round match, citing stomach pain and a headache.
On the court:
• Christina McHale, a 19- year-old from Englewood Cliffs, N.J., delivered a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory over eighth-seeded Marion Bartoli, the runner-up to Williams at Wimbledon in 2007.
• Irina Falconi, a 21-year-old who went to Georgia Tech, eliminated 14th-seeded Dominika Cibulkova 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.
• American John Isner beat Marcos Baghdatis 7-6 (2), 7-6 (11), 2-6, 6-4.
The Associated Press
