( CNN ) -- Defending champion Serena Williams will miss the Australian Open in January to give herself more time to recover from foot surgery . The former world number one has not played competitively since winning her fourth Wimbledon crown in July . She sustained the original injury after standing on broken glass at a restaurant shortly after winning her second grand slam of the year and 13th of her glittering career . Williams attempted to come back ahead of the season-ending WTA Championships in Qatar , but had to abandon her attempts after aggravating the injury in training . The American was also due to compete in the Hopman Cup in Australia next month , but in a statement released Thursday said she had been left with no choice but to pull out . She said : `` As I continue to rehabilitate my foot after the second surgery last month , it is with the utmost regret that I am withdrawing from the Hopman Cup and the 2011 Australian Open Championships . `` As I recently learned , pushing myself back into my intense training too early only caused me further injury and damage . `` While I desperately want to be back on the court and competing in the first grand slam tournament of the year , it is imperative for my health that I continue to work with my doctors to ensure my foot heals properly . '' Williams dominated the early part of the 2010 season , with victories at the Australian Open and the grass of Wimbledon , but in her absence Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark claimed top spot in the global rankings . Belgian rival Kim Clijsters also claimed the final grand slam of the season at the U.S. Open and the WTA Championships , making her a warm favorite for the Australian Open which kicks off the 2011 season , particularly with Williams sidelined . Williams promised her fans to `` be back better than ever as soon as I can be . ''
Defending champion Serena Williams pulls out of Australian Open . Williams has not recovered from foot injury she picked up after stepping on broken glass . Williams has not played since winning Wimbledon for the fourth time in July .