Serena withdraws from Madrid but will play Rome

MADRID - Agence France-Presse

Serena Williams from the U.S. serves the ball during a Madrid Open tennis tournament match against Carla Suarez from Spain in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, May 8, 2014 . AP Photo

World number one Serena Williams pulled out of her quarter-final at the Madrid Open against Petra Kvitova on Friday morning due to a thigh injury but has confirmed she will play in Rome next week.
 
The 17-time Grand Slam champion had worn a heavy strapping on her left leg in straight sets victories over Belinda Bencic, Peng Shuai and Carla Suarez Navarro earlier in the week.
 
"I have a left thigh injury and, unfortunately, have to withdraw from this year's Madrid Open," said Williams.
 
"It happened during my first round match. It started to get better, but most importantly right now, I just need some time to rest and recover.
 
"It's beyond words. It's so frustrating."  

Initially the tournament organisers in Madrid had also ruled her out for next week's Internazionale BNL D'Italia in Rome, but the American insisted she will try to defend her title in the Italian capital.
 
"I am planning to play in Rome. Fortunately, I have a bye next week so will have an extra day of rest.
 
"For now, I will take it one day at a time and take advantage of some extra rest."  

Her withdrawal is just the latest setback to the tournament after two of the top four seeds in the men's Masters -- Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer -- also withdrew due to injury and family reasons respectively.
 
Meanwhile, fifth seed Kvitova will face Simona Halep or Ana Ivanovic in the last four on Saturday.