Back injury forces Venus Williams to miss Wimbledon

Five-time singles champion Venus Williams has pulled out of Wimbledon because of a back injury.

The 33-year-old struggled with the problem during the clay-court season and has not played since withdrawing from the doubles at Roland Garros with sister Serena.

Williams wrote on her Facebook page: "Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in Wimbledon this year.

"I am extremely disappointed as I have always loved The Championships, but I need to take time to let my back heal. I look forward to returning to the courts as soon as possible, with my goal being to return to Mylan World Team Tennis on July 8th in Washington DC."

Williams has become increasingly prone to injury as well as battling the auto-immune disease Sjogren’s Syndrome.