Injury forces Venus Williams out of Australian Open

Venus Williams bowed out of the Australian Open tonight but insisted she had "peace of mind" after giving her all against Andrea Petkovic.

Williams lasted just a game and two points before defaulting due to the leg injury she suffered in the previous round against Sandra Zahlavova.

The crowd on Rod Laver Arena were not impressed, with some fans showing their disapproval, but the American fourth seed was adamant she did all she could to play and pointed to her record of having never before pulled out of a grand slam match through injury.

She said: "I couldn't play, I couldn't move, it was just too painful.

"Often when you play you can get by on adrenaline but I didn't get enough of that tonight.

"It's super disappointing especially as I have never had to retire from a grand slam match.

"But I have peace of mind that I gave my best out there.

"My parents and coaches didn't think I should play."

Williams admitted she will learn from having tried to play when she ought to have pulled out beforehand.

She added: "I just wanted to give 100% but I will learn from this experience. If I am not ready or hurting maybe it's better to stop. Maybe I have learned what my limitations are for next time.

"It hurts more when you play and you make bad decisions. This time I tried really hard and know I gave everything I could. I can't be disappointed in that respect."

The 30-year-old was quick to dismiss any talk of retirement, however.

"I am going to focus on getting healthy because I love tennis and I have a lot of good tennis left in me," she said.

"I love my job and there is no end in sight."