PARIS: World number one Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Paris Indoor Open, organisers confirmed on Saturday.

Williams blamed a leg injury which she picked up on her way to victory in the Australian Open.

The American has lifted the Paris trophy twice in five appearances, winning both her titles in 1999 and 2003 against France's Amelie Mauresmo.

Former world number one Mauresmo won last year's event but has since retired from competition.

Russia's Elena Dementieva is the now the top player in the tournament, which starts on Monday.