WTA: Serena Williams Retreats for Tournament in Madrid

Serena Williams has cancelled her start for the WTA Premier Mandatory in Madrid. The tournament’s organizers announced on Thursday that the 36-year-old needs more preparation time to be competitive.

“Unfortunately, I have to cancel my launch. Because of the fever I don’t feel at 100 percent,” Williams is quoted.

“We regret Serena’s absence,” said Manolo Santana, co-organizer of the Madrid Open. “She’s one of the great champions of our sport, she’s always put on a show at this tournament and we hope to see her again soon in the Caja Magica”.

Williams made a comeback on hard court in Indian Wells and Miami, but suffered early defeats. Previously she had taken a 14-month break due to the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia.

Williams had not competed in any WTA tournament since her first-round defeat to Naomi Osaka in Miami. In order to be competitive for the clay court season, she wants to give herself more time to train.