US tennis legend Serena Williams withdrew from the Italian Open, citing a need for additional training after returning to the court from maternity leave earlier this year.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion also did not participate in the current Madrid Open, making her only appearance in 2018 at the Indian Wells Masters, where she was defeated in the round of 32 by her sister Venus 6-3, 6-4 on March 12, reports Efe.
"We are so sad to announce that Serena Williams, a four-time champion in Rome, has withdrawn from ibi18," the tournament announced on its official Twitter account.
Serena's ranking has dramatically dropped to world No. 454 after giving birth to a baby girl in September.
The Italian Open is set to take place May 13-20 in Rome.
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