“I've tried everything to be ready for games tonight, and I still hoped it would go after my workout this morning. But unfortunately, my back is still not good enough, ”Serena Williams said in a statement via the organizer, after setting the match against qualifier Zarina Diyas.
37-year-old Williams has taken 23 grand slam titles in singles during his career - only Australian Margaret Court has more in history (24) - but has had a tough year in terms of injury. In addition to her back, she was also disturbed by knee problems.
The finish in Cincinatti comes with less than two weeks left for the next grand slam tournament: US Open.