Sharjah24 – Reuters: Serena Williams' search for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title will extend into another year after an Achilles tendon injury forced her to withdraw from the French Open on Wednesday (September 30).
The American, who turned 39 this week, had been due to play Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round later but after a warm-up decided the injury was too severe.
Williams, a three-time former champion at Roland Garros, said she may not play again this year.
Williams had suffered the problem during her semi-final loss to Victoria Azarenka in the U.S. Open and said ahead of her Roland Garros campaign that she was not at 100% physically but had recovered sufficiently to play.
She spoke again of the injury after her first-round win over fellow American Kristie Ahn and aggravated it while practising for her second-round match.
Williams said she was yet to decide whether she would play again this season, saying she needed two weeks of complete rest.
Williams also pulled out of the French Open in 2018 with an abdominal injury before a last-16 clash with Maria Sharapova.
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