Venus Williams withdraws from Cincinnati Open through illness

Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open through illness.

The American was due to face Ana Ivanovic in the second round of the competition, but her opponent advances to round three without striking a ball.

"Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to viral illness. Ivanovic advances to round three," read a statement on the tournament's official Twitter account.

Ivanovic will face either Sloane Stephens or Mona Barthel in the next round.