Tennis star Serena Williams pulled out of the French Open on Wednesday ahead of her second round match due to an Achilles tendon injury. She announced her decision to withdraw just hours before her match against Tsvetana Pironkova.
The 23-time grand slam champion was aiming to claim Margaret Court’s record-equalling 24th title at Roland Garros.
During the press conference, Serena said she was struggling to walk. She had a short warm-up, but couldn’t continue.
“I felt like I needed to walk with a limp,” she said.
“An Achilles injury is not one you want to play with as it can get worse.
“I think I need four-to-six weeks of sitting and doing nothing, at least two weeks of just sitting down,” she added.
The three-time French Open champ had suffered the injury during the US Open semifinal which she lost to Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka. Ahead of her Roland Garros campaign, Serena had said she was not at 100 per cent, but had recovered well enough to play.
Reports said that the 39-year-old is yet to decide if she would play again this season considering her injury and the recovery time. She had said that she “more than likely” won’t play another tournament this year.
“I love playing tennis. I love competing. It’s my job and I’m pretty good at it still... I’m so close to some things and I feel like I’m almost there... that’s what keeps me going.”
