Content
Skip to Main ContentAccessibility Help
Tennis

Anticipated Williams sisters match in Rome nixed by Serena's knee injury

Serena Williams withdrew from the Italian Open on Tuesday ahead of her second-round match against sister Venus because of a previously injured left knee.

Italian Open marks 3rd straight event tennis star has exited with physical issues

Andrew Dampf · The Canadian Press ·
Serena Williams, pictured here during her first-round match at the Italian Open on Monday, was forced to withdraw from the tourney on Tuesday with a previously injured left knee. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Serena Williams withdrew from the Italian Open on Tuesday ahead of her second-round match against sister Venus because of a previously injured left knee.

Tournament organizers made the announcement a day after Serena opened her clay-court season with a straight-sets win over Swedish qualifier Rebecca Peterson in Rome.

"I must withdraw from the Italian Open due to pain in my left knee," Serena said, according to the WTA website. "I will miss the fans and competition at one of my favourite tournaments. I'll be concentrating on rehab and look forward to seeing you all at the French Open and next year in Rome."

The next tournament on Serena's schedule is Roland Garros, which starts in less than two weeks.

It's the third straight event that the 37-year-old Serena has exited from due to physical problems.

She retired due to a viral illness during her third-round match against Garbine Muguruza in Indian Wells, California; and withdrew with the left knee injury before her third-round match at the Miami Open in March.

As a result of this latest withdrawal, Venus advances into the third round via a walkover.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC Sports
Corrections and clarifications|

Related Stories