By Chris Oddo | Friday, March 18, 2015

 

Serena Williams' return to Indian Wells ended with a late withdrawal from the semifinals due to a right knee injury.

Photo Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty

After returning to play the BNP Paribas Open for the first time in 14 years, Serena Williams was forced to withdraw from her highly anticipated semifinal against Simona Halep due to a right knee injury.

The tournament announced Williams withdrawal during the third set of the evening’s first semifinal between Sabine Lisicki and Jelena Jankovic:

#Serena Williams has withdrawn from her semifinal match vs. Halep due to a right knee injury #BNPPO15 pic.twitter.com/ZKpCh4IYWD

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 21, 2015

 

4 months ago I began a journey to play Indian Wells and it was amazing. I never dreamed I could do it. But I would not have been able to do this without my fans. Though it ended early due to injury this year, I have to say I cannot wait to try again next year. Thanks everyone. I love you so much! 😘

A photo posted by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

Mar 20, 2015 at 8:27pm PDT