Serena Williams withdraws from Dubai Open

World number one Serena Williams has pulled out of the upcoming Dubai Open because of illness.

The 33-year-old is believed to have been suffering with a cough ever since she won the Australian Open in Melbourne last month.

As a result, the 19-time Grand Slam champion has decided to withdraw from the tournament, which starts tomorrow.

Wildcard entry Eugenie Bouchard will also play no part in the Middle East due to an arm injury.