French Open: Serena Williams Retreats from Duel with Maria Sharapova

Serena Williams withdrew against Maria Sharapova at the French Open before her quarter-final. An injury to her chest muscles made it impossible for the American to compete.

“Unfortunately, my muscles are causing me great problems,” Williams said at a press conference called up quickly. “I can’t serve at this time.” The 23-time Grand Slam winner announced that she would undergo as many examinations as necessary to get to the bottom of the pain.

“I have sacrificed so much time with my daughter and my family, this situation is very difficult,” Williams said. “I am more than disappointed. I’ve never been in such pain, it’s terrible.”

Williams has so far shown his strength in Paris, beating Kristina Pliskova, Ashleigh Barty and Julia Görges. The eagerly awaited match against her permanent rival Sharapova will not take place again.

The Russian is now in the quarter-finals without a fight, where she will face the winner of the Garbine Muguruza game against Lea Tsurenko. Whether Williams will get fit in time for Wimbledon is not yet clear.