Tennis: Serena Williams pulls out of Australian Open

Reigning champion Serena Williams has withdrawn from this month's Australian Open as she does not yet feel ready to compete at the top level again, organisers said on Friday.

The 36-year-old American won her 23rd grand slam singles title at Melbourne Park last year before taking time off to give birth to a daughter.

She has played just once in public since, losing to Jelena Ostapenko in Abu Dhabi last week.

"After competing in Abu Dhabi I realized that although I am super close, I'm not where I personally want to be,” Williams said.

"Even though I am disappointed about it, I've decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year."