Carson, CA (AHN) - 2007 Australian Open champion, Serena Williams withdrew from her fourth consecutive tournament on Thursday due to a lingering thumb injury.

Williams would have been the fourth seed in the East West Bank Classic that begins on Monday in Carson, near the eight-time Grand Slam champion's original hometown of Compton.

Williams said in a statement, "It's always fun playing back home in L.A. and with the most talented draw ever, I was looking forward to prepping for the U.S. Open against good competition."

Williams said that she would continue her physical therapy on the left thumb and calf she initially injured at Wimbledon.

No. 1 seed, Maria Sharapova, world No. 3 Jelena Jankovic, the losing finalist last year and seeded second and Ana Ivanovic, the No. 3 seed are the remaining headliners.