By: Dennis Bray                                          Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/ Corleve

(August 31, 2011) After shaking off the rust and cruising to a straight set win over Vesna Dolonts in the first round, Venus Williams has been forced to drop out of the U.S. Open,
sending Sabine Lisicki of Germany into the third round.

A rare illness takes the American star out of the equation for this year’s title, which she hasn’t won since 2001.

In her official statement of withdrawal at the 2011 US Open she said, "I'm really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year's US Open. I have been recently diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome, an autoimmune diseasewhich is an ongoing medical condition that effects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain."

This year has been one Venus would like to forget as she has only played in 4 tournaments and holds a record of 8-3. Injury and illness has plagued the aging sister all year, but she has managed to participate in each grand slam.

At the Australian Open she was forced to retire after playing only one game to Andrea Petkovic of Germany because of injury.

At Wimbledon she fared better, losing in the round of 16 to Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria in three sets. Venus did not play in the French Open because of a lingering abdominal injury that has had her sidelined for most of the year.

She ended her statement with some hope adding, "I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon."