VENUS Williams is officially returning to competition next month and the former World No 1 has declared herself fit for the BMW Malaysia Open.
The former grand slam winner will compete in her first tournament since last September’s US Open at the Dubai Duty Free Championships before making her debut in Kuala Lumpur.
The third edition of the tournament will be held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Club on Feb 27-March 4.
The 32-year-old, whose ranking has slipped to 101 in the world, withdrew from Auckland before doing the same for the Australian Open.
Venus has not played competitively since last September and has been receiving treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome.
In a posting on her website, the United States star said that she has been making progress and plans to return to the tour next month.
“After several months of training and treatment, I am making steady progress to top competitive form.
“My diet and fitness regimen have allowed me to make great strides in terms of my health and I am very close to being ready to return to WTA competition. I have every intention to return to the circuit in February,” said Venus.
Tournament director Keld Kristensen said Venus was excited to play in Kuala Lumpur.
“Venus withdrew from Melbourne as she needed to work on her fitness. There is no change to her schedule ... she will play in the Malaysia Open”, said Kristensen at a luncheon in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
France’s World No 9 Marion Bartoli, Australia’s defending champion Jelena Dokic, China’s Peng Shuai and Japan’s Ayumi Morita are among those confirmed for this year’s edition.
Kristensen also disclosed that the Malaysia Open may move to Langkawi next year.
“It is still in the early stages as we first need to look at the proposed venue and also get WTA’s clearance before going forward,” he said.
Former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad is the patron of the Malaysia Open.-NST
