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Seven time Grand Slam tennis champion Venus Williams was forced to withdraw from the U.S. Open yesterday, after revealing she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can causes joint pain.

Everything You Need To Know About Sjogren’s Syndrome (PHOTOS)

The 31-year-old tennis phenom said in a statement:

“I enjoyed playing my first match here, and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to, I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”

Venus Williams Breezes Through Wimbledon In Her Flyaway Lace Romper! (PHOTOS) 

The Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation website describes the disease as a chronic autoimmune illness in which people’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands.

Common symptoms include dry eyes and dry mouth and as many as 4 million Americans have the disease.

We are praying for Venus Williams as she battles this disease and wish her the best of luck!