Rome - Defending champion Serena Williams of the United States withdrew from the Italian Open with an elbow injury. Shortly after sister Venus was swept aside 6-2, 6-1 by Romanian second seed Simona Halep, top seed Serena announced her withdrawal prior to her third round match with Christina McHale. Williams, who exited the Madrid Masters in the semi-finals last week, said the decision was made after consideration that not stopping could harm her chances at the French Open, or even Wimbledon. "It wasn't an easy decision, I talked with my coach and he said it wouldn't be smart for me to play," said Williams.
AFP
