Italian Open suffers triple setback as Serena Williams leads big-name withdrawals

WTA Tour
Serena Williams receives treatment on her foot

Serena Williams won’t feature at the 2020 Italian Open after the 23-time Grand Slam winner withdrew from the tournament due to a foot injury.

The world No 8 picked up an Achilles injury during her US Open semi-final defeat at the hands of Victoria Azarenka on Thursday, but insisted after the match that she just “overstretched” and “it will be fine”.

However, it is serious enough to keep her out of this week’s WTA Premier 5 event in Rome.

“I regretfully must withdraw from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia due to an Achilles strain,” she said in a statement. “I’m so humbled by the continuous support from my fans in Rome and I look forward to making my return soon.”

The tournament will also be without 2019 US Open winner Bianca Andreescu and two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova.

Andreescu is still suffering from a knee injury while Kvitova didn’t give a reason for her decision to skip the tournament.

“Unfortunately, I have made the tough decision to withdraw from Rome this year,” the Czech said.

“It is always one of my favorite places to visit and I really look forward to being back in Italy next year. I wish the tournament every success and congratulate them on all their hard work to put on a safe event.”

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Bianca Andreescu Petra Kvitova Serena Williams

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