Health issues seem to still be a concern for five-time Wimbledon tennis champion Venus Williams.
The injury-stricken American star crashed to a second defeat in as many days in Hong Kong Friday. Those losses leave her fitness in question as she prepares for the first Grand Slam event of the year, the Australian Open which begins January 17.
The 30-year-old Williams was seen clutching her stomach as she was beaten in straight sets by Chinese ace Li Na (6-3, 7-6) at the World Team Challenge exhibition tournament. Asked about the apparent problem in a post-match press conference, she appeared to avoid the question, saying she tried her best and just pushed herself to play her best tennis.
Last year Williams suffered a nagging left knee injury that forced her into a long lay-off after losing to eventual champion Kim Clijsters in the U.S. Open semi-finals in September. She had not played before that since being defeated in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in June.
Questions Remain on Venus Williams' Health
