Serena Williams Illness: Updates on Tennis Star's Status and Recovery

For the second time in less than three months, Serena Williams hasn't looked right on the tennis court. The world's top-ranked player was forced to withdraw from the Wuhan Open near the end of her first set against Alize Cornet with an illness. 

According to a report from Reuters, via The Guardian, Williams got examined by a doctor during a change over when it was determined that she would not be able to continue the match. 

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The American top seed was leading 6-5 after breaking Cornet’s serve with a smash only for the doctor to come on court at the change over and take the 32-year-old’s temperature.

Williams, who was playing in her first match since winning her 18th grand slam singles title at the US Open earlier this month, sat solemnly, head down with a towel around her neck and a thermometer in her mouth before opting against continuing. Organisers later said she withdrew due to a viral illness.

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After withdrawing from the event, Williams released a statement apologizing to the fans and explaining what she was feeling on the court, via The New York Times' Ben Rothenberg:

Williams hasn't had a typical year, by her lofty standards. She has won six tournaments, but the majors were problematic. The 32-year-old lost in the fourth round of the Australian Open, second round of the French Open and third round at Wimbledon. She did salvage the season by winning the U.S. Open. 

Wimbledon was especially shocking because not only did Williams' singles run end in the third round, but she and sister Venus were forced to withdraw early in their second round doubles match because the 18-time major champion was unable to hit the ball with any strength and at times couldn't hit a simple return shot. 

Now, not long after that scene in England, Williams is battling another illness. It's a scary time for the best female tennis player in the world. This hasn't been her best season, by any stretch, being forced to withdraw from tournaments. 

You admire her competitive spirit and desire to win every event, but at some point the body needs a break. This could be a wake-up call for Williams to slow down, recharge her batteries and get ready for the 2015 season. 

It's hard for athletes to step away from the game. Sometimes, for the benefit of long-term production, your body will do you a favor. Williams will get the help she needs and can hopefully come back stronger than she's looked for most of 2014. 

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