Injuries Force Serena and Azarenka Out of WTA Events
World number one Serena Williams has pulled out of next week’s Bank of the West Classic with a right elbow injury.
“I’m disappointed to have to withdraw from Stanford, but I need to get my elbow back to 10%,” the three-time former champion said in a statement. “The tournament is one of my favorites and the fans have always been so generous and supportive of me. I wish all of the players much success and I hope to return next year.”
Serena had a 13-match winning streak at the tournament, winning titles in 2011, 2012 and 2014. The same elbow injury forced her to withdraw from the Swedish Open in the round of 16 two weeks ago.
“Serena is having a historic season, and we wish her a speedy recovery as she prepares for the U.S. Open,” Bank of the West tournament director Vickie Gunnarsson said. “Unfortunately, injuries are part of sports, and the health of the players is always the number one priority.”
Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki will now be the number one seed when the tournament gets underway next week.
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka has also withdrawn from a major WTA event, next week’s Citi Open. The Belarusian is dealing with a right shoulder injury and will miss the hard-court tournament in Washington, D.C.
Azarenka will be replaced by American CoCo Vandeweghe, who will get a wild-card entry into the main draw.
