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

Serena Williams has been forced to withdraw from the 2015 Bank of the West Classic because of a right elbow injury, the event announced on Friday.

Continue for updates.

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Williams Forced Out of 2nd Straight Event

Friday, July 31

"I'm disappointed to have to withdraw from the Bank of the West Classic, but I need to get my elbow back to 100 percent,” Williams said. “The tournament is one of my favorites, and the fans have always been so generous and supportive of me. I wish all of the players much success, and I hope to return next year."

Williams, 33, was forced to retire from her second-round matchup with Klara Koukalova at the SkiStar Swedish Open earlier this month with elbow soreness.

She's been dealing with the injury for much of the year, causing her to withdraw from the Italian Open and take some time off earlier this year.

The world No. 1 has posted only three losses in the entire 2015 calendar year, two of which have come via walkover. Her only on-court loss of the season came to Petra Kvitova at this year's Madrid Open, a week before her first withdrawal due to injury.

In the midst of one of the finest seasons in the sport's history, it's smart of Williams to get her rest now in preparation for the hard-court season.

The Bank of the West Classic is the first major event on the road to the U.S. Open, but there is little sense in pushing the issue now. She only has a month remaining before she's due in Flushing Meadows, so getting to 100 percent is vital as she goes for the single-season Grand Slam.

Follow Tyler Conway on Twitter @tylerconway22.