Saturday, August 5 2006 14:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Los Angeles: Five-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams withdrew on Friday from next week's WTA Tour hardcourt tournament in Los Angeles with a left wrist injury.

It is the same injury that has sidelined her since Wimbledon, where she lost in the third round.

"I regret not having the opportunity to compete in Los Angeles where so many of my friends and fans live, Williams said.

"I am in the process of getting treatment and hope to be back on Tour in the very near future," she said.

Williams, a former world No. 1 who has slipped to No. 32 in the rankings, had already pulled out of this week's tournament in San Diego.