Serena Williams Withdraws

Written by: Staff on 17th August 2011

Serena Williams Withdraws

Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates after winning match point against Marion Bartoli of France at the Bank of the West tennis final at Stanford University in Stanford, California, USA 31 July 2011. Williams defeated Bartoli 7-5, 6-1. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

MASON, OHIO (August 17, 2011) – American Serena Williams has withdrawn from the 2011 Western & Southern Open with an aggravation of a right toe injury prior to her second round match against Samantha Stosur.

Williams was to play Stosur in a rematch of last week’s Toronto final in the third match of the day session on Center Court that was to start no earlier than 2:30 p.m. That slot on the schedule will now be occupied by World No. 2 Vera Zvonareva, the 2006 Cincinnati champion, in her second round match against Ekaterina Makarova.

During the Olympus US Open Series, Williams had recorded 12-straight wins, including titles in Stanford and Toronto before her first round victory at the Western & Southern Open Tuesday.

“I woke up this morning not feeling excellent, and then, you know, went to the gym to see how it felt before I hit practice. That definitely didn’t sit well,” Williams explained. “There is a little swelling, so I thought, you know, it would be a wise decision. Talked to my dad and I called Venus. She advised that I do what’s best for me, which would be to take care of my body.

“I’m definitely disappointed, but at the same time, I have a lot to look forward to.”

Stosur, the No. 10 seed, advances to the Round of 16 and will face French Open champion Li Na on Thursday.