Serena Williams has withdrawn from Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome due to an achilles injury which it seems occurred during her US Open defeat to Victoria Azarenka.

Williams is a four time champion in Rome; but will not be involved this time around as preparation will turn towards Roland Garros.

“I regretfully must withdraw from The Internazionali BNL d'Italia due to an Achilles strain," Williams said in a statement. "I’m so humbled by the continuous support from my fans in Rome; and I look forward to making my return soon.”

"I just was stretching," she explained after her defeat to Victoria Azarenka at the US Open. "I ran for a shot, and off that first step that I took, it was a long point. It wasn't my ankle; it was actually my Achilles. It just overstretched. It was pretty intense. Then that was that."

Petra Kvitova and Bianca Andreescu have also announced they have withdrawn from the tournament; the latter citing an ongoing knee injury with also a foot injury being revealed recently on her comeback trail by coach, Sylvain Bruneau.

"Unfortunately, I have made the tough decision to withdraw from Rome this year," Kvitova said. It is always one of my favourite places to visit and I really look forward to being back in Italy next year. I wish the tournament every success and congratulate them on all their hard work to put on a safe event."

https://twitter.com/WTA_insider/status/1304860506063163392?s=20

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