Williams faces Sharapova in final but fitness a concern ahead of Australian Open
Venus Williams walked away from Victoria Park a winner last night but faced a long night of worry after tweaking a hamstring during her semi-final victory over Elena Dementieva in the semi-finals of the JB Group Classic.
Williams sought attention from the tournament physiotherapist at the end of the first set, after she had won it 6-3, and lay on her stomach for several minutes while he went to work on her left leg and lower back.
With the year's first grand slam - the Australian Open - starting on January 14, and coming after Williams had missed much of the 2007 season through injury, many in the packed stands held their breath and feared the worst. Not least among them was Williams' mother Oracene, who had her head in her hands while the treatment went on, only looking up once Williams had picked up her racquet and motioned she was ready to play on, much to the delight of the crowd.
'It was really strange but I was able to get through the match,' said the American world number eight. 'It was my hamstring but [the physiotherapist] thought it might be my back. I was out there on the court for only a few minutes for treatment and because it is cold I wanted to try to stay warm. I am just going to go and see him after this and continue from there.
'I'm playing against a very good player tomorrow so I'll definitely have to be at my best. I'll have to do everything I can do tonight.'
Organisers will be hoping for good news too - Williams' victory setting up their dream final after Maria Sharapova had earlier waltzed passed Anna Chakvetadze.