Via: Variety.com
Serena Williams Forced To Retire Rogers Cup Over Injury
By Elysia JAug. 12 2019, Published 7:35 p.m. ET
Serena Williams was unable to complete her match in the Rogers Cup final due to injury.
She had only been playing for nineteen minuets when she was forced to retire due to back spasms. By doing so she handed the title to her opponent Bianca Andreescu. The Canadian player had been in the lead by 3-1 in the first set.
Photo Credit: Instagram @biancaandrescu_
Williams explained that the spasms had started during her match the previous day against Marie Bouzková and had worsened since. The spasms limited her range of movement in the match against Andreescu. She also explained that this was a recurring issue saying :
-“I’ve had this before and it’s, like, 24, 36 hours where I’m just in crazy spasm and then it’s like gone. And so that’s a little bit frustrating for me because I know that I could play. I just can’t play today.”
“I’ve had this before and it’s, like, 24, 36 hours where I’m just in crazy spasm and then it’s like gone. And so that’s a little bit frustrating for me because I know that I could play. I just can’t play today.”
After she retired, Williams and Andreescu shared condolences and encouragement. Andresscu told Williams that she had admired her throughout her career. Williams then said, “This isn’t the way you wanted to win, I’m sure.” The pair were also seen laughing and hugging.
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Serena Williams The Legend
Despite the disappointment the tennis legend made it clear this isn’t the end of the road for her. She is still planning on attending Western & Southern Open.
This latest incident is a minor blip in what otherwise has been a remarkable career.
The thirty-seven year old is the proud holder of twenty three Grand Slam tournament titles. She also holds 72 overall career titles. Her dominance over the game has spanned almost two decades with her first grand slam title in 1999. She has four Olympic gold medals. Her winning percentage in Grand Slam finals is the best of any woman who has won more than three titles.
It’s difficult to summarise Serena Williams impact. Multiple sources have called her the greatest athlete of all time. She is by far the most well known player in modern tennis.
After battling racism and sexism and an almost fatal complication in her pregnancy, it’s clear that nothing can hold Serena Williams back for very long.
