By Chris Davies
January 11 2004

Former World Number One and defending champion Serena Williams has officially pulled out of the Australian Open the first Grand Slam of the year Williams declared that she is not up the Championship standard just yet and needs more time to get up to her highest level.

This is another blow to organisers of the Open who are to see record crowds with the Williams' sisters being a huge attraction and with Kim Clijsters potentially being out it is a disappointment for the fans.

Serena and Venus who have not played since the Wimbledon final 2003 have both overcome injuries and the shooting of their sister in LA late last year.

Venus who, a runner up last year, will take part in this years competition and looks to be ready to finish of where she started.

The elder Williams whose ranking has slipped to number 11 in the world will be seeded 3rd behind Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters due to a 'special ranking' which the WTA tour have introduced for Williams due to her injuries last year.