Williams sisters withdraw from French Open doubles

Serena and Venus Williams have pulled out of the women's doubles tournament at this year's French Open.

The American sisters, who have won a total of 13 Grand Slam trophies as a pair, were due to take on Alla Kudryavtseva and Anastasia Rodionova in the first round at Roland Garros.

However, Kudryavtseva and Rodionova have been awarded a walkover following the withdrawal of the 12th-seeded duo.

An official reason for the Williamses' removal has not been stated by the French Open organisers.

However, it is understood that Venus's back injury, which she suffered in Sunday's three-set defeat to Urszula Radwanska, may have been behind the decision.