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Serena Pulls Out of Indian Wells, Miami

Mar 7th 2017
Serena Williams

Serena Williams has pulled out of Indian Wells and Miami citing a knee injury that has prevented her from training.

“Sadly, I have to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open,” Williams said on Tuesday. “I have not been able to train due to my knees and am disappointed I cannot be there. I will keep moving forward and continue to be positive. I look forward to being back as soon as I can.”

The Australian Open champion will lose her world no. 1 ranking to Angelique Kerber.

Serena did not compete in Indian Wells from 2001 until 2015 after an ugly episode where some spectators engaged in racial abuse and heckled her and her family. The incident apparently occurred due to Venus’ withdrawal just prior to their semifinal match.

The two-time BNP Paribas Open champion will now turn her attention to the French Open.

Milos Raonic was forced to pull out of the event, as well. The 2016 finalist suffered a hamstring injury.