Leg Injury Forces Defending Champ Serena Out at Madrid Open
May 9, 2014 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal
Serena Williams was forced to pull out of the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday due to a left thigh injury. She suffered the injury during her opening match of the event and experienced a setback as she was preparing for her third-round clash with Petra Kvitova.
“I have a left thigh injury, and, unfortunately, have to withdraw from this year’s Mutua Madrid Open,” said Serena in a statement. “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.”
Serena is the defending champion in Madrid and expressed disappointment on her inability to finish the event. She now plans on getting ready for the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome next week, while also recovering in time to defend her French Open title in Roland Garros at the end of May.
“I am planning to play in Rome. Fortunately, I have a bye next week so will have an extra day of rest,” said Serena. “For now, I will take it one day at a time and take advantage of some extra rest.”
