Unfortunately, Serena Williams will not continue to compete in the 2018 French Open. The dominant Williams, whom Roger Federer recently declared tennis' G.O.A.T., had to withdraw because of a pectoral injury.
Serena said, via the French Open: "I unfortunately [have] been having some issues with my pec muscle...Right now I can't actually serve, so it's actually hard to play when I can't physically serve. In my doubles yesterday, I tried a lot of different tapings and support. It didn't get a lot better."
BREAKING NEWS: Serena Williams has pulled out of her fourth-round match with Maria Sharapova due to an arm injury. Stay tuned for more information as news develops, and a report fro #RolandGarros.
Confirmed by Mary Carillo on @TennisChannel
Serena said she tried a number of different equipment support options Sunday but her pain was not significantly relieved, so she made the call to withdraw—she said this is the most painful injury she's ever endured.
“I’m beyond disappointed. I gave up so much from time with my daughter & time with my family all for this moment. So it’s really difficult to be in this situation.”
Serena was set to compete with Maria Sharapova Monday.
“It’s very difficult because I love playing Maria. It’s a match I always get up for. Its extremely disappointing but I made a promise to myself that if I’m not at least 50%, I shouldn’t play”
Watch Serena's full press conference announcement below.
Serena Williams announces her withdrawal from #RG18 due to a right pectoral injury.
Wishing the three-time champion a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/bo3e1jkgcv
The injury is the second reason Serena is in the news Monday. The first: a journalist has come under fire for asking her an extremely weird and sexist interview question about Sharapova's appearance.
