The two-time Antwerp champion played only one match this year as she was shocked out of the Australian Open first round last month by Bulgarian Tszvetana Pironkova.

“The Proximus Diamond Games is a fantastic event that I have enjoyed playing over the years,” tenth-ranked Williams was quoted as saying by the tournament’s official website.

“The tournament staff has always been extremely hospitable and this has become one of my favorite events.”

“I am especially disappointed about not having an opportunity to win the diamond racquet this year but I do hope to return in 2007," said the 2005 runner-up.

Meanwhile, top-seeded Belgian, Kim Clijsters is believed to have recovered from the ankle injury she picked up during her semifinal match at the Australian Open, and is set to play her first match next week against Kirsten Flipkens or Tatiana Golovin.

“Kim Clijsters has increased her training volume and will be ready for her first match next week. After consultation with her medical staff the Belgian player is looking forward to playing on home ground,” a statement announced on the tournament’s official website.

Amelie Mauresmo, Mary Pierce, Patty Schnyder, Elena Dementieva and Nadia Petrova are among the stars heading the field in Antwerp this year.