Reigning world number one Serena Williams will not compete at her home tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida this year. Sony Ericsson Open organizers announced on Friday that the reigning Australian Open champion has withdrawn from the tournament.
Williams, a five-time Sony Ericsson Open singles champion, was forced to withdraw from this year’s tournament due to a knee injury which she continues to rehab following her victory at the Australian Open.
Following Serena’s withdrawal, Venus Williams will compete in the featured evening match at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 25. Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is looking for her first Sony Ericsson Open title since 2001. She has won three times in Miami (1998, 1999, 2001).
Russians Dinara Safina and Maria Sharapova have also withdrawn from the tournament.
The 2010 Sony Ericsson Open will be played March 22-April 4 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami.
Wow. While this is worrisome for Serena fans, perhaps an extended rest will enable her to recharge her batteries and make a serious run at Roland Garros.
I went to the BNP Paribas Showdown at MSG earlier this month and Serena withdrew from that as well. Hopefully, this injury isn’t as bad as it seems and she is just thinking ahead to the French Open. I hope she gets better…..
Well, for being that hurt she is amazingly fit to endure walking in high heels, attending parties etc.