Serena Williams v Venus Williams off after Serena fails to recover from persistent knee injury

Serena Williams deep in thought

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Italian Open with a knee injury, handing sister Venus a bye into the third round in the process.

The sisters were due to face each other this week as they gear up for Roland Garros, but it appears Serena is still not over her troublesome knee complaint.

“I must withdraw from the Italian Open due to pain in my left knee,” Serena announced.

“I will miss the fans and competition at one of my favorite tournaments.

“I’ll be concentrating on rehab and look forward to seeing you all at the French Open and next year in Rome.”

The injury is believed to be the same one that forced her to withdraw from the Miami Open earlier this year.

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