Serena Williams a US Open injury doubt after back complaint forces her to quit Cincinnati
Serena Williams is an injury doubt for the US Open after she opted to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open.
The 37-year-old retired during the final of the Rogers Cup last week with back spasms, but later said it was nothing t worry about as it usually settles down within 24 hours.
However, Williams has confirmed that her back is what is keeping her out at Cincinnati, raising questions over her readiness for Flushing Meadows.
“I came to Mason on Sunday and have tried everything to be ready to play tonight,” Williams said on Tuesday.
“I was still hopeful after my practice this morning, but unfortunately, my back is still not right, and I know I should not take to the court.”
Elder sister Venus Williams enjoyed a much more positive day in Cincinnati, though, as she knocked out defending champion Kiki Bertens.
She does it!@Venuseswilliams takes down defending champ and world No. 5 @kikibertens in a tough, 3-set battle in Cincy.#USOpenSeries | #TeamUSATennispic.twitter.com/9KH4ajitkG
— USTA (@usta) August 13, 2019
“I just tried not to go too big, because I can go so big and I have a lot of power and it’s not always easy to control it,” 39-year-old Williams said after her 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) win.
“So I’m trying to play smart instead of going hog wild, which is extremely easy to do.
“It was just a second round, though. For me, it’s just round-by-round. I have a third round to play. I’m ready for the next round.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.
-
WTA TourAshleigh Barty laments giving away control to Danielle Collins as she suffers defeat in Adelaide
Early exit for defending champion Ashleigh Barty.
-
Australian OpenToni Nadal believes the pressure got to Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final
Daniil Medvedev felt the heat.