Serena Williams will be fine for the French Open in a week despite withdrawing from her Rome semi-final with Li Na. The late decision threw the program into chaos, with a re-scheduling of various matches required.
Williams admitted the pull was merely precautionary, but with Paris, Wimbledon, the London Olympics and the US Open all on the horizon, she didn’t want to risk. “I’m fine, I’ll be 100 percent for the French,” said Williams who had not decided whether to stay an extra day in Rome or head to her Paris flat. “I’m just living for the moment now.”
The 13-time major champion ended a 17-mach clay win streak with her withdrawal. “I’ve been feeling a little pain this week and I have a huge schedule coming up,”
The ninth seed who will return to the ranking top five as a result of her play, had not played a full match since Thursday after Friday opponent Flavia Pennetta lasted just four games with a wrist injury.
“I’ve been playing a lot and my body is getting used to a lot of matches again. My form is good heading to Paris,” said Williams, “I want to be ready for the next couple of months.”
Topics: Roland Garros Tennis, Rome, Serena Williams