World Sport News

Former world number one Serena Williams from the USA will not compete in Rome next week after her cancellation for the current WTA tournament in Madrid. This was announced by the organizers of the sand court event in the eternal city on Wednesday.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner had cancelled her start in Madrid due to the after-effects of a feverish illness. The 36-year-old has not played a match since her first-round defeat in Miami on 21 March against Japanese Naomi Osaka (3-6, 2-6). Williams won the title at Foro Italico in Rome in 2002, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

Whether Williams’ Grand Slam comeback after her baby break at the French Open in Paris (27 May to 10 June) is also in danger, remained open at first. In the Stade Roland Garros she had triumphed three times so far (2002, 2013, 2015).