Friday, 16 May, 2008

Serena Williams pulled out of her Italian Open quarter-final against Alize Cornet on Friday after suffering a back problem during practice.

Williams was coming off a tough game on Thursday when Italian wild card Sara Errani battled her all the way in a 6-4 6-3 win.

It was while on a practice court prior to Friday's match with Cornet, a French qualifier, that Williams suffered the injury.

The American's withdrawal means that Cornet advances to play sixth-seeded Anna Chakvetadze.

The Russian beat Bulgarian qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova 6-2 3-6 6-1 earlier on Friday.

Federer returns to Hamburg semi-finals
Williams pulls out
Murray takes comfort from defeat
Davis Cup tie at Wimbledon
Sharapova to replace Henin at the top
Bartoli joins Eastbourne field
Henin announces retirement
Gasquet doubt for Roland Garros