More struggles facing Venus Williams

The troublesome 2011 for Venus Williams took an even more unfortunate turn today when she withdrew from the US Open after revealing she has been suffering with Sjögren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disease where the bodies' white blood cells attack the glands that produce moisture. There is no cure.

She released the following statement:

"I'm really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year's US Open. I have been recently diagnosed with Sjögren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain. I enjoyed playing my first match and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon."

The 7-time Grand Slammer was asked about the illness after winning her opening round match and described it as "energy sapping" but didn't give a name to it. Her next opponent, Sabine Lisicki, was told about the withdrawal 30 minutes before their second round match was to begin today. "I saw Venus and heard she practiced as usual. I saw her in match clothes so was fully prepared and really looking forward to the match. I love those big matches and playing against Venus - we had two amazing matches the last two meetings. But that's tennis. It's unfortunate and I hope she will be fine quick."

The Williams sisters have been notoriously private about injuries and illness over the years but have opened up lately, most notably with Serena's recent health scares. And while this news comes as a surprise to us (and some in her close knit circle) it has been an issue according to her mom and coach, Oracene Price, who told SI.com, "It's been something that's been worrisome for a long time."

At this point, no one knows when V will come back. Some are even questioning whether she will at all considering her age, litany of injuries and the unknowns surrounding the management of this disease. There's no doubt that if she tries, and my gut tells me she will, it'll be a tough road back. But as we've seen over the years, when it comes to the Williams sisters they love a good comeback.

[Photo(s) credit: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images]

Kleybanova reveals battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma

As you guys can tell I'm a bit of a tennis vacay after the long spring/summer European swing. But I felt compelled to post after hearing about Alisa Kleybanova's recent revelation that she has Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph tissue. She made the announcement on her 22nd birthday via the WTA tour site which you can read here.

All the best to her as she goes through this most difficult time. 

[Photo(s) credit: AFP PHOTO / DANI POZO]

Djokovic shows his loyalty in sickness and in health

A surprise to probably no one, Novak Djokovic, who admitted this week he was exhausted from his US Open campaign where he reached the final, was forced to pull out of his opening round Davis Cup rubber against Radek Stepanek with a stomach flu. He'll be replaced by Victor Troicki when Serbia faces the Czech Republic for a spot in the Davis Cup final this weekend.

Huge credit to Nole for even making the trip and attempting to lead his team after Flushing Meadows. He could've pulled out but decided it more important to represent his country in such a huge moment. I'm not sure if he can recover or even be in decent shape in time to play his second rubber. But either way it shows a real commitment and dedication to his team. His awesomeness continues to grow in my opinion.

Visit the Davis Cup website to find out the latest scores.

[Photo(s): AP]

(UPDATED) DEVELOPING: Azarenka collapes during second round match at US Open

Victoria Azarenka was rushed to the hospital after collapsing during her second round match at the US Open today. She was trailing Gisela Dulko 1-5 in the first set when she fell to the ground.

There haven't been any updates on the cause of her collapse or her current condition as of yet. As soon as more information is released I will update this post.

It was another day of searing heat at Flushing Meadows with temperatures expected to reach the mid-90's with high humidity. And, believe me, after dealing with it yesterday I can tell you it's BRUTAL. Although we don't know if it was the heat that caused Vika to fall, please take precautions and stay hydrated if you are visiting the Open this week.

Here's video of the moment Vika fell to the court (not sure what the strange video game music is all about...) edit: I found a better video of the incident



UPDATE #1: The Washington Post blog The Early Lead is reporting Vika received treatment from a trainer for an arm injury and complained of blurry vision.

UPDATE #2: USTA statement via Jon Wertheim: "She was taken to a nearby hospital for diagnostic testing. Out of respect to her privacy, we can not give any more details. However, we can say that this does not seem to be primarily a heat-related illness." They also mentioned "headache-like symptoms." Okay, vague - even a bigger mystery now. But apparently she had fallen during an earlier practice and had the medical staff alerted during the Dulko match.

UPDATE #3: Vika diagnosed with a mild concussion. She fell in the gym while doing sprints and hit her arm and head.


[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Nalby knocked by rampant virus, won't compete in Davis Cup tie

The rampant virus that has struck the ATP + WTA Tour's this season has taken down another victim: David Nalbandian.

The Argentine was to compete in his country's Davis Cup tie versus the Netherlands but the virus, which effected him during his first round loss in Acapulco last week, continued to linger. Nalby could be replaced by Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires this weekend.

Last week, Andy Murray was forced out of Dubai because of a virus which has bothered him since the Aussie Open; Jelena Jankovic was hit by the flu in January during the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong; and Victoria Azarenka walked away mid-match from her fourth round tussle with eventual champ Serena Williams in Oz because of sickness due to a virus.

So, what the hell is going on with this mystery virus? And more importantly how's it being spread around?? Inquiring minds would definitely like to know.

In any case ballers, wash your hands regularly, don't stick your (or anyone else's) fingers in your mouth, and above all else don't kiss anyone questionable - well, at least get their name and medical history first.

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Murray pulls at his shirt but maybe he meant his hair

Andy Murray must be feeling frustrated right...about...now.

The Brit baller, who hasn't been feeling well since the Aussie Open where he lost in the fourth round, was forced to withdraw from Dubai citing illness and leaving his appearance in his country's Davis Cup tie in doubt.

The 21-year old told the press he started feeling better for a few days during he winning run in Rotterdam but has been unwell since arriving in Dubai:

I woke up in the middle of the night sweating. I went to the doctor and started taking antibiotics, but I have felt very tired all week. I have felt cold and shivery and had a sore throat. I feel that my temperature is up and my body feels bad.

I don't know what it is, some virus perhaps, but after playing Granollers I didn't feel great and I've not felt 100% since. There were a couple of days in Rotterdam [the week before last] when I felt better, but I haven't felt well again since I have been here.

The World No.4 plans to return to Britain to get more tests completed:

I've had a blood test, and I've had antibiotics before for five or six days. I will have to fly home tomorrow and take some time off and see how I'm feeling in a few days.

In between sets [of the Clement match] I felt tired, really weak. You know where it feels like the adrenaline wears off, I felt cold and shivery. So obviously my temperature is up. My body is aching a little bit. I need to take some time off.

Oh boy. Could it be the dreaded mononucleosis that rocked Roger Federer for most of last season not to mention Justine Henin, Nicole Vaidisova, and a few others? I hate to say it but maybe Andy overtrained during his off-season training intensive and hasn't allowed his body a chance to really recover.

Let's hope he gets better quickly and gets his game back on track.

(image via Getty)

Nadia hospitalized with viral meningitis, withdraws from Auckland

Our thoughts go out to Nadia Petrova who has been hospitalized with viral meningitis, a serious medical condition causing inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

She has withdrawn from next month's ASB Classic in Auckland.

Here's to a speedy recover Nads!

(image via abc.net.au)

Super Mario suffers another setback, withdraws from Stockholm with illness

Thanks to an anonymous DtL reader and april for tipping me off to this truly unfortunate news concerning Mario Ancic.

The Croat, who showed us all how excited he was to be back in action in Stockholm this week, has withdrawn from the tourney with acute bronchitis with fever.

What the hell is going on with his health? This is a pretty serious issue for him, obviously, and very frustrating for the Croat. Super Mario needs to get to the bottom of these health problems because we're not just talking about a common cold or the flu even, but mono and now acute bronchitis.

Be well Mario...

(image via Getty)