Venus Williams wants a week off before the French Open

Venus Williams will not take part in May's Rome Masters in order to get some rest before the French Open.

The American does not want to play four consecutive tournaments before Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam event of the season.

Williams, the world number three, is currently competing in the Warsaw Cup in Poland.

"I'm so disappointed to have to withdraw from Rome this year", Williams said in Warsaw.

I plan on returning next year Venus Williams

"I've been successful in Rome before, having won in 1999, so I was looking forward to returning to the tournament.

"I've always enjoyed playing in Rome because it is a great tournament in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I plan on returning next year."

Before the Warsaw tournament, Venus and her sister Serena led the US team to victory over the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup.

Venus is scheduled to start at the German Open in Berlin next week.