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Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, which gets underway behind closed doors at the Foro Italico on Monday, due to an Achilles injury.

The world No.8, who won the Italian Open title in 2002, 2013, 2014 and 2016, reached the semi-finals at the US Open last week, losing in three sets in what was a scintillating match against Victoria Azarenka.

“I regretfully must withdraw from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia due to an Achilles strain. I’m so humbled by the continuous support from my fans in Rome and I look forward to making my return soon,” said the American.

Bianca Andreescu has also withdrawn from the tournament due to a knee injury.