13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams has pulled out of the French Open 2011 tournament, a decision that’s already expected considering that the former world number one has been off the WTA Tour for nearly a year.
The 2002 French Open champion has not competed since July last year, when she won the Wimbledon title. Despite announcing last month that she’s already started practicing, Williams said that she still in recovery stage.
“While I am making good progress, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete in Roland Garros as I am continuing to rehab my foot and recover from the pulmonary embolism,” Williams said in a statement.
“I am grateful for every moment I have and the fact that I have returned to the court. I am hopeful that I will be back competing this summer. Thank you all for your continued prayers,” she added.
Her older sister Venus Williams has yet to announce whether she’ll take part at the Roland Garros 2011 event which begins on May 22. The 7-time Grand Slam winner may likely pull out as well after announcing that she could not take part at the claycourt warmup tournament in Brussels next week.
