W&SFG Without Serena Williams

Australian Open winner Serena Williams has pulled out of the Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open because of an injury on her hand.

The tournament officials announced her pulling out on Tuesday and Mr Bruce Flory, the director of the W&SFG Open, said that Williams told the tournament officials that she is sorry for not being to able to play in Cincinatti.

“When we saw Serena with a splint on her hand while watching her sister play in the Wimbledon final, we knew there was a chance she wouldn’t be able to play here,” said Mr Bruce Flory. “She said she really enjoyed herself here last year, appreciated the great crowd support she received and hopes to play here again next year.”

Last year Serena Williams was a semifinalist in Cincinatti.

Mr Flory confirmed the following players to play the tournament next week: Patty Schnyder, Anna Chakvetadze, Sania Mirza and Maria Kirilenko.