Serena Williams: Tennis Superstar Withdraws from Italian Open with Back Injury

According to the Associated Press, Serena Williams has withdrawn from her semifinal match with Li Na at the Italian Open due to a lower back injury.

"It was feeling a little stiff and I don't think this is the right moment to force (it). I just want to relax and get ready for the next few months," Williams said.

Her withdrawal comes eight days before the 2012 French Open, but Williams says she'll be 100 percent for the Grand Slam: "This is a good week to get better and I'm confident that I'll be 100 percent."

It certainly sounds like Williams could have played against Li Na on Saturday. And if she could play, I'm not sure why she wouldn't want to win the tournament. There is no better preparation than defeating the French Open champion en route to a tournament victory. But Williams decided to forgo that option.

Williams has won the French Open twice in her illustrious career: 1999 and 2010. Her main goal, as it is with every tennis player, is to win Grand Slam events. While the decision seems to come at an awkward time, you can't argue against it. She knows her body best, and she understands what it takes to win tournaments as prestigious as the French Open. She wouldn't have made this decision if it wasn't beneficial for her well-being.

Regardless, Williams' withdrawal is just another twist added to one of the greatest Grand Slam events in tennis. We'll find out soon how, if at all, this decision impacts her play when the French Open begins in eight days.