Serena Williams opts out of Australian Open

U.S. tennis star, Serena Williams, will not compete at the Australian Open in January on the advice of doctors, organisers announced on Wednesday.
The seven-time winner, 40, is still one behind the record of a grand slam tournament victory with 23 titles.
“While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete.
“Melbourne is one of my favourite cities to visit and I look forward to playing at the AO every year.
“I will miss seeing the fans, but I’m excited to return and compete at my highest level,” she said.
More from Peoples Gazette

NationWide
Visibility, breathing to worsen as dust haze engulfs North, NiMet warns
The updated weather alert released from NiMet on Wednesday in Abuja envisaged dust haze activities before the end of the day over the extreme North.

Education
Kidnappers release DELSU students, five others: Police
The kidnappers had demanded five million naira to set the nine victims free.

Economy
Ekiti looks to Australia for development
Australia is partnering with Ekiti State on livestock breeding, ranching, women empowerment and elimination of violence against women and children, amongst others.

NationWide
Reps to probe closure of Maiduguri NYSC camp
The NYSC permanent orientation camp in Maiduguri was shut down because of killings by Boko Haram terrorists in parts of the state.

States
3,800 civil servants to sit for promotional exams in Bauchi
Civil servants from MDAs on grade level eight and above would be sitting for the examination.

NationWide
FG to commercialise 12 River Basins: Official
According to the director, the commercialisation of the Basins would enable them to generate increased revenue for the government.