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It’s the first time that Williams, currently ranked world number 451, has withdrawn from a Grand Slam mid-tournament.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