Venus launched her new book hosted a free tennis clinic in LA last month

Venus Williams has pulled out of next week's Cincinnati Open after suffering pains in her left knee.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner, 30, said felt discomfort after returning to a normal practice schedule last week having not played since Wimbledon.

She said: "My medical advisers and physio have recommended that I refrain from competition until I am pain free.

"Unfortunately, I am not at a point where I can commit to competing next week," added the American.

Venus's sister, current world number one Serena Williams, is also missing from the Cincinnati field.

The 28-year-old cut her foot on broken glass in a restaurant last month, and faces a battle to be fit for the US Open which begins on 30 August.

Despite the absence of the Williams sisters, the Cincinnati event still boasts eight top of the 10 players on the WTA Tour, and 26 of the Top 30.

They include defending champion and top seed Jelena Jankovic, defending US Open champion Kim Clijsters, and three-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova.

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