Serena Williams Injury: Updates on Tennis Star's Elbow and Return

Calendar Grand Slam hopeful Serena Williams pulled out of the Swedish Open on Thursday because of an elbow injury. It's not immediately clear how the ailment will impact her preparations for the U.S. Open.

Continue for updates.

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Williams Takes Time Off

Saturday, July 18

Williams posted the announcement on her Facebook account:

WTA Tennis provided comments from Williams, who elaborated about her injury and recovery ahead of the U.S. Open:

"

I'm going to take some time off, I'm going to get some treatment, and I'm going to continue to do things for it. I'll do what's best for my body and continue from there.

This was a really difficult decision, and uncomfortable, because if you know me, you know I really wanted to come here. I love being here and I feel like I'm on vacation here, and it's just a wonderful time. It was a really tough decision, but unfortunately I think I had to make the hard decision.

"

The Associated Press via ESPN confirmed Williams' exit from the post-Wimbledon event through Swedish Open spokesman Marcus Duner. He stated there were no further details available aside from the fact she injured her elbow while preparing for her second-round match.

Williams scored a routine 6-2, 6-1 victory over Ysaline Bonaventure on Wednesday. She was scheduled to face Klara Koukalova before withdrawing from the event as a precaution.

As Let's Talk Tennis reported, Williams said: "In my warm-up this morning unfortunately my elbow started hurting. I don't want to make it worse." 

She previously dealt with an elbow issue leading up to the French Open. Clearly it didn't make a lasting impact as she proceeded to win the title in Paris anyway.

In fact, Williams is the owner of all four major titles right now—the Serena Slam—and has a chance to complete the elusive calendar Grand Slam at the U.S. Open. In turn, even a small tweak is enough to call it quits at a smaller event to ensure she's healthy for the season's final major.

That tournament gets underway on August 31. Barring any setbacks, expect her healthy and in top form as she arrives in New York as the three-time defending champion.