Serena Williams out of Australian Open

Sidelined since July after badly cutting her right foot in a freak accident, Williams has pulled out of the Hopman Cup and Australian Open.

The American is crushed at the reality of not being able to defend her Melbourne Park title.

"As I continue to rehabilitate my foot after the second surgery last month, it is with the utmost regret that I am withdrawing from the Hopman Cup and the 2011 Australian Open championships," the winner of 13 grand slam singles titles said.

"As I recently learned, pushing myself back into my intense training too early only caused me further injury and damage.

"While I desperately want to be back on the court and competing in the first grand slam tournament of the year, it is imperative for my health that I continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals properly.

"This decision, though heavy on my heart, is the right one.

"I am praying for a healthy recovery and I promise my Aussie fans and my fans around the world that I will be back better than ever as soon as I can be."

Williams cut the bottom of her foot, suffering deep gashes when she accidentally stepped on shattered glass at a restaurant in July.

She recently underwent surgery and was photographed last week on crutches after complications are believed to set in.

The reality is that Williams has been an unlikely Open starter for months. Several of her sponsors had braced themselves for yesterday's confirmation she will not be at Melbourne Park for the January 17-30 grand slam.

Australian Open officials are shattered at Williams' failure to recovery.

Hopman Cup tournament director Paul McNamee said Williams would be replaced in the Perth event by Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

"It is a shame Serena's recovery has taken longer, as we all looked forward to seeing her back on court in Perth again," MacNamee said.

"We wish Serena well in overcoming her injury."