Serena Williams out of French Open

 

• Serena Williams left it late to pull out of her match against Maria Sharapova
• There was lots of excitement about the French Open match but injury ended it
• Williams made the decision before heading on court on Monday afternoon 
• She has withdrawn mid-tournament 15 times before – but never in a Grand Slam

Serena Williams 

Serena Williams has pulled out of the French Open before her fourth-round match with Maria Sharapova.

The 36-year-old will explain the reason for her withdrawal in a news conference, with a suggestion that she has an arm injury.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner recently returned to tennis after giving birth to her first child.

She looked in good form in her opening matches, dropping only one set en route to the last 16, BBC reports.

Speaking in her press conference on today, Williams said: ‘Unfortunately I have been having some problems with my pec muscles and it is getting worse.

‘Right now I cannot physically serve. I am beyond disappointed. I gave up so much – time with my daughter and family – to get time on the court. ‘It is really difficult to be in this situation.’  She added.