Williams sisters skip doubles as Venus battles elbow injury

Venus, the 13th seed in the singles draw, recorded a 6-3 6-2 win over Stefanie Voegele in the second round on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday.

American Venus Williams

Venus Williams is still struggling with an elbow injury, leading to her and sister Serena withdrawing from the Australian Open doubles.

Venus, the 13th seed in the singles draw, recorded a 6-3 6-2 win over Stefanie Voegele in the second round on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday.

But the Williams sisters later withdrew from the doubles, an event they have won four times at Melbourne Park. "I'm managing it," Venus said of her elbow.

"I was really disappointed not to be able to play in New Zealand.

"I was hoping to have the capacity to play both events here, but at this point I just need to be careful and just try to maintain myself."

Venus added: "I go and see the physios, and they have been doing a great job."

The 36-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion faces China's Duan Ying-ying in the third round.