Serena withdraws from Italian Open with knee problem
Serena Williams withdrew from the Italian Open yesterday with a recurring left knee injury handing sister Venus a walkover into the third round.
In Tuesday's statement the 23-time Grand Slam winner insisted she would still be competing in the French Open later this month.
"I must withdraw from the Italian Open due to pain in my left knee," Serena said in a statement.
"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."