Serena Williams pulls out of Italian Open

Wednesday, 9 May 2018 16:00

Serena Williams has pulled out of the Italian Open, a tournament she has won four times.

The move comes just five days after the 23-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the Madrid Open. She said she needed more time to prepare for her first clay season since giving birth in September.

She returned to the WTA Tour in March and reached the third round at Indian Wells, where she was beaten by sister Venus, before falling in the first round of the Miami Open to Japan's Naomi Osaka.

Following her latest withdrawal, it is unclear whether the 36-year-old American will start at the French Open, which begins on 27 May.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm