After cruising through the early part of the Madrid Open despite a left-thigh injury, Serena Williams decided to withdraw from her quarter-final against Petra Kvitova. The American, ranked world No 1 on the women's tour, says she intends to play Rome after resting the injury. Susana Vera / Reuters
After cruising through the early part of the Madrid Open despite a left-thigh injury, Serena Williams decided to withdraw from her quarter-final against Petra Kvitova. The American, ranked world No 1 Show more

Serena Williams withdraws from Madrid but will play Rome



MADRID // World No 1 Serena Williams pulled out of her quarter-final at the Madrid Open against Petra Kvitova on Friday with a thigh injury, but said she intends to play in Rome next week.

The 17-time grand slam champion had worn heavy tape on her left leg in straight-set victories over Belinda Bencic, Peng Shuai and Carla Suarez Navarro this week.

“I have a left-thigh injury and, unfortunately, have to withdraw from this year’s Madrid Open,” she 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.”

Initially, tournament organisers in Madrid ruled her out for next week’s Internazionale BNL D’Italia in Rome, but the American insisted she will try to defend her title in the Italian capital.

“I am planning to play in Rome,” she said. “Fortunately, I have a bye next week, So I will have an extra day of rest.

“For now, I will take it one day at a time and take advantage of some extra rest.”

Her withdrawal is was the latest setback to the tournament after two of the top four seeds in the men's bracket – Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer – withdrew due to injury and family reasons, respectively.

Meanwhile, fifth-seeded Kvitova will face Simona Halep or Ana Ivanovic in the last four on Saturday.

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