Serena Williams pulls out of Qatar Open, citing the flu

DOHA, Qatar (AP) Serena Williams has withdrawn from her second consecutive tournament, announcing Tuesday that she will miss next week's Qatar Open because of

DOHA, Qatar (AP) Serena Williams has withdrawn from her second consecutive tournament, announcing Tuesday that she will miss next week's Qatar Open because of the flu.

The No.1-ranked Williams pulled out of this week's Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday, also citing illness.

In a news release from the Qatar Open, Williams says ''I have come down with the flu and do not feel 100 percent. I need to take this time to recover but I do look forward to returning to Doha and seeing my fans soon.''

Williams last played in the Australian Open final, losing to Angelique Kerber.