Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Serena Williams pulls out of Rogers Cup with shoulder injury

Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week's Rogers Cup in Montreal, citing shoulder inflammation.

MORE: Classic Williams photos | Williams' U.S. Open championships

The world No. 1, a three-time winner of the event, announced the news Sunday — 24 hours before the tournament's opening day.

"Due to inflammation in my shoulder, I unfortunately must withdraw from the Rogers Cup," Williams said in a statement reported by the WTA Tour website. "I was looking forward to competing in Montreal and I look forward to returning soon."

Tournament director Eugene Lapierre said the decision was understandable with the Olympic Games in Rio just two weeks away.