Rome: American tennis player Serena Williams has withdrawn from the ongoing Italian Open due to a left knee injury, the tournament's Twitter handle posted on Tuesday.
Serena was all set to clash with her sister Venus Williams in the second round of the Italian Open. Venus has now progressed ahead to the third round as a result of Serena's withdrawal.
"#Serena, due to a knee injury, had to withdraw from the tournament. Venus #Williams gains access to the next round, #ibi19," Italian Open's Twitter handle posted.
- "I must withdraw from the Italian Open due to pain in my left knee. I will miss the fans and competition at one of my favourite tournaments," Women's Tennis Association (WTA) quoted Serena as saying.
- "I'll be concentrating on rehab and look forward to seeing you all at the French Open and next year in Rome," she added.
Serena is a four-time Italian Open champion and she holds the record for the most number of wins by a player in the tournament.
The 37-year-old Serena defeated Rebecca Peterson 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of Italian Open. Serena is next scheduled to play in the Roland Garros, beginning on May 26.
