Serena Williams PULLS OUT of French Open showdown with Russian rival Maria Sharapova due to arm injury
Serena Williams has pulled out of her French Open last-16 tie with Maria Sharapova due to an arm injury.
The former world No 1 has an impeccable record against Sharapova – she has not lost to the Russian since 2004 – but after losing in the doubles on Sunday, the current world No 451 opted not to pull out of the singles.
Williams has withdrawn mid-tournament 15 times in her career but never in a Grand Slam. Sharapova now progresses to the quarter-finals at Roland Garros where she will take on either Garbine Muguruza or Lesia Tsurenko.
More to follow.
Serena Williams has pulled out of her French Open showdown with Russian Maria Sharapova

The American former world No 1 was forced into the late decision due to a niggling arm injury

Sharapova has not beaten Williams since Wimbledon 2004 but progresses through in Paris
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