Serena Williams withdraws from French Open ahead of Maria Sharapova match

Serena Williams has pulled out of her French Open clash with Maria Sharapova due to injury.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner was due to mean her old Russian adversary in the last 16 at Roland Garros, but made a late decision to withdraw with an arm injury.

It’s the first time that Williams, currently ranked world number 451, has withdrawn from a Grand Slam mid-tournament.

“Unfortunately I have been having some problems with my pectoral muscles and it is getting worse. Right now I cannot physically serve.

“I am beyond disappointed. I gave up so much – time with my daughter and family – to get time on the court. It is really difficult to be in this situation.”

Asked about Wimbledon next month, Williams said: “I am going to get an MRI tomorrow. I am going to stay here and see doctors. I won’t ask that until I get those results.”

Sharapova will now go straight through to the quarter-finals, where she will face either Garbine Muguruza or Lesia Tsurenko.