Venus Williams ruled out of Australian Open

Venus Williams has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Open after suffering an injury in a warm-up tournament in New Zealand.

The seven-time singles grand-slam winner was originally awarded a wildcard but picked up an injury at the ASB Classic in Auckland.

"Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB Classic in New Zealand," the Australian Open said in a tweet.

The 42-year-old's wildcard place has now been awarded to Australian world number 173 Kim Birrell.