Runner up Venus Williams pulled out of Brasil Open

By Etienne Stekelenburg
September 9 2002

After putting up some hard labour at the US Open Venus Williams has pulled out of this weeks Brasil Open held in Costa do Sauipe, Bahia Brasil. Venus Williams would have been the top seed, her place will be taken by Jelena Dokic who reached the final in last years Brasil Open

"I feel that at this point and after such a long hard court season, the best option for me is to rest and look after myself," Williams said.

The defending champion is the world number five Monica Seles who is seeded number two at the Brasil Open.

Iva Majoli of Croatie won her first round match against Brazilian Carla Tiene
6-2 6-1.

Rossana Neffa de Los Rios from Paraquay lost in three set against Fabiola Zuluaga of Colombia 6-4 6-7 2-6

Swiss Myriam Casanova won in three sets against Marion Bartoli of France
2-6 6-3 6-3.