So much for a Williams sisters showdown in the quarterfinals of the Family Circle Cup this week. Serena Williams retired from her match against Chan Yung-Jan on Tuesday with a groin pull. Taipei, was up 5-3 in the first set when Williams withdrew, apologizing to the crowd before she left stadium court.
Williams, the third seed, said she strained the muscle in Monday's practice and a trainer said it didn't seem like it would affect her play in future tournaments. She played with her right thigh wrapped and said she will treat her injury with ice and massage.
"But it could potentially get worse if I don't take care of it," Williams told reporters. "I've been playing a lot on the clay and, like I said, I was just sliding a lot and I think I just slid too far," she said.
Meanwile, Venus Williams, ranked No. 29, needed just over an hour to defeat the Australian Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-2.on a chilly day.
"I feel really good," said Venus, playing in her fourth tournament after being sidelined earlier this year with a wrist injury. "I don't think of myself as an underdog. I just think of myself not being as highly ranked as I should be and that happens when you take time off."
I hope the Williams sisters can keep themselves healthy in 2007! They are so good for the game and so gifted. But their biggest challenge seems to be not getting injured!