By Erik Gudris | Friday, May 9, 2014

 

Serena Williams withdrew with a left thigh injury from her upcoming quarterfinal match in Madrid.

Photo Credit: AP

Two-time defending champion Serena Williams withdrew with a left thigh injury from her upcoming quarterfinal match versus Petra Kvitova at the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday.

Despite making it through her first three rounds, the World No. 1 decided she needs extra time to heal.

“I have a left thigh injury and, unfortunately, have to withdraw from this year’s Mutua Madrid Open," Williams said in a statement. "It happened during my first round match. It started to get better, but most importantly right now, I just need some time to rest and recover. It’s beyond words. It’s so frustrating. We couldn’t ask for a better tournament and I love it here in Madrid. I love being a champion here. Manolo Santana and his team put on a great tournament. This is not the way I wanted this week to end."

Williams had claimed 15 consecutive wins in Madrid starting back in 2012. Her last win over Carla Suarez Navarro on Thursday completed her 650th WTA career victory.