Venus Williams will compete in the Australia Open

The American tennis player Venus Williams, winner of seven 'Grand Slam', will play the Australia Open, first of the year which begins on January 16, despite being dropped from the tournament in New Zealand for health reasons, as confirmed event director Craig Tiley.

The American, who is receiving treatment for Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease, dropped out of the tournament in Auckland, which takes place from 2 to 7 January, organizers announced at the beginning of this week.

However, Tiley said he had spoken with Williams's agent for availability. "At the moment there is no change. She comes," he said in a statement to the Australian media.

Because of his disease, which causes extreme fatigue and muscle pain, most of Williams was forced to Withdraw last September at the U.S. Open, the last 'big' of the season.

The five-time Wimbledon, which has since fallen to 102 of the WTA rankings, relies on up the ladder and expect to compete throughout the season. This Friday will play in an exhibition mixed doubles with her sister Serena in Florida to raise money for an organization that promotes youth education.