Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Italian Open with a knee injury but is confident of being fit for the French Open.
Williams had won her opening match in straight sets and been due to play her sister Venus Williams in the second round in Rome but she withdrew from the tournament on Tuesday citing a knee injury.
“I must withdraw from the Italian Open due to pain in my left knee,” the 37-year-old said.
“I will miss the fans and competition at one of my favourite tournaments. I’ll be concentrating on rehab and look forward to seeing you all at the French Open and next year in Rome.”
Williams’ withdrawal came less than a day after Caroline Wozniacki was forced to pull out because of a hamstring injury.
Read Also: JUST IN: Serena withdraws from Italian Open with knee injury
The former world number one had lost the first set of her first round match against American Danielle Collins when she retired and she will now concentrate on her fitness ahead of the French Open at Roland Garros, which gets underway on Sunday, 26 May.