Serena Williams withdraws from French Open before showdown with Sharapova

Serena Williams has pulled out of the French Open ahead of her match with Maria Sharapova, citing a pectoral muscle injury.

The 36-year-old American was making her Grand Slam comeback after a maternity break.

Sharapova was looking to end her 14-year hoodoo against the three-time French Open champion. She will now be awarded a walkover in the women’s draw.

“I’ve had issues with the right pectoral muscle to the point where I can’t serve,” Williams said during a press conference on Monday.

“In my doubles yesterday I tried a lot of different tapings and support. It didn’t get a lot better.

“Every match has been getting better, physically I’ve been great. I can only take solace in the fact that I’m going to get better.

“I am beyond disappointed. I gave up so much – time with my daughter and family – to get time on the court. It is really difficult to be in this situation.”

The 23-time Grand Slam winner said the result of an MRI scan will determine her participation at Wimbledon.

“I’m having an MRI (scan) tomorrow, I’m going to stay here to see the doctors and see as many specialists as I can,” she said.

“I won’t know (how serious the injury is) until I get those results.”

Williams said she was gutted to miss out on facing her rival. “It’s very difficult because I love playing Maria,” she added.

“It’s a match I always get up for. Its extremely disappointing but I made a promise to myself that if I’m not at least 50%, I shouldn’t play.”