Venus pulls out of Wimbledon

Jun 18, 2013 - 9:19 PM Wimbledon, England (Sports Network) - Five-time champion Venus Williams withdrew from Wimbledon on Tuesday due to a back injury, ending her streak of 16 consecutive appearances at the prestigious Grand Slam event.

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in Wimbledon this year," Williams wrote on her Facebook page. "I am extremely disappointed as I have always loved The Championships, but I need to take time to let my back heal."

The former world No. 1 Williams, who turned 33 on Monday, has appeared in eight Wimbledon finals, having also finished as a three-time runner-up. She paired with her current world No. 1 sister Serena to win a fifth women's doubles title at the All England Club last year.

Venus also battles Sjogren's syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain.