HOBART - Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams pulled out of the Hobart International Sunday to give herself a full rest and recovery ahead of this month's Australian Open. Williams, ranked 47 in the world, dropped out of the Hobart tournament after losing the Auckland Classic in a marathon three-set final to Ana Ivanovic on Saturday. "After a long week during my first tournament of the year, my body needs time to rest and recover," Williams said, announcing her withdrawal. "Unfortunately, I am not able to play this week in Hobart. I was looking forward to playing in Tasmania and I sincerely do hope to play there in the coming years." Williams has not won a title since October 2012, and Auckland was her first appearance in a WTA final since then.–AFP