‘Frustrated’ Serena Williams withdraws from Mutua Madrid Open

 

Originally published on 09/05/14

The world No.1 picked up the injury during her first-round win over Belinda Bencic and had her left thigh heavily taped against Peng Shuai and Carla Suarez Navarro.

Although she said the injury was improving, she took the decision on Friday morning to withdraw from the tournament, meaning Petra Kvitova will get a walkover to the semi-finals.

"I have a left thigh injury and unfortunately have to withdraw from this year's Mutua Madrid Open," Williams said. "It happened during my first round match. It started to get better, but most importantly right now, I just need some time to rest and recover.

"It's beyond words. It's so frustrating. We couldn't ask for a better tournament and I love it here in Madrid. I love being a champion here. Manolo Santana and his team put on a great tournament. This is not the way I wanted this week to end."

Williams was bidding to win the Madrid Open for a third year in a row but will now look to be fully fit to defend her French Open title from May 25.

She also hopes that with a bit of extra time off she will still be able to compete at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome next week.

"I am planning to play in Rome. Fortunately, I have a bye next week so will have an extra day of rest," Williams added. "For now, I will take it one day at a time and take advantage of some extra rest."

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