Flu forces Serena to miss Qatar Open

World number one Serena Williams will spend another week on the sidelines after withdrawing from the Qatar Open.

Williams pulled out of the ongoing Dubai Tennis Championships due to illness and it was confirmed on Tuesday that she will not feature in Doha next week.

A statement from the American read: "I unfortunately have to withdraw from the Qatar Total Open as I have come down with the flu and do not feel 100 per cent.

"I need to take this time to recover but I do look forward to returning to Doha and seeing my fans soon."

Williams, a beaten finalist in Qatar three years ago, has not featured on the WTA Tour since her shock defeat to Angelique Kerber in last month's Australian Open final.