With seven Grand Slam titles in the bag, Venus Williams abruptly pulled out of the U.S. Open, confirming on ABC’s Good Morning America Thursday, she has been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome. Williams said she is relieved that there is now a diagnosis, as her symptoms had gone undiagnosed for several years.
Williams, 31, said she suffers from fatigue, joint pain, dry eyes and dry mouth, but didn’t know what was wrong.
According to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation’s website, the disease is a chronic autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. As many as 4 million Americans are living with this disease, the Foundation states.
In withdrawing from the U.S. Open, Williams released a statement saying, “I enjoyed playing my first match here, and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon,” the Miami Herald reports.
Today on Good Morning America, Williams said, she is aware there’s no cure for the disease, but is looking forward to treatments that help improve various symptoms and returning to competitive tennis.
