Venus Williams pulls out of Wimbledon, citing back injury

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Wimbledon, England • Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams has pulled out of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament because of a lower back injury.

Williams' agent, Carlos Fleming, says Wimbledon was told of her decision Tuesday.

Williams, who turned 33 on Monday, was bothered by her back during a first-round loss at the French Open last month, then cited that injury when she and her younger sister Serena withdrew from the doubles competition in Paris.

The older Williams played at Wimbledon each of the last 16 years — never missing it since her debut in 1997. She won the title in 2000-01, 2005 and 2007-08. Williams lost in the first round at the All England Club last year.

Play begins at Wimbledon next Monday.