Internet :
World number one Serena Williams announced her withdrawal from the Madrid Open due to flu on Friday, 24 hours before the WTA Premier Mandatory tournament begins.
Williams has featured in only two events since her defeat to Angelique Kerber in January’s Australian Open final, finishing as the runner-up in Indian Wells prior to a shock last-16 loss at the hands of Svetlana Kuznetsova at the Miami Open.
And the 34-year-old will now have limited clay-court preparation ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 22, after revealing she will be unable to challenge for a third title in Spain’s capital.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Madrid because I’ve been battling the flu and I’m not at 100 per cent. I look forward to returning soon,” said Williams.
World number one Serena Williams announced her withdrawal from the Madrid Open due to flu on Friday, 24 hours before the WTA Premier Mandatory tournament begins.
Williams has featured in only two events since her defeat to Angelique Kerber in January’s Australian Open final, finishing as the runner-up in Indian Wells prior to a shock last-16 loss at the hands of Svetlana Kuznetsova at the Miami Open.
And the 34-year-old will now have limited clay-court preparation ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 22, after revealing she will be unable to challenge for a third title in Spain’s capital.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Madrid because I’ve been battling the flu and I’m not at 100 per cent. I look forward to returning soon,” said Williams.
