Serena Williams has performed a dramatic backflip behind the scenes to abandon her semi-final blockbuster with Ash Barty.
Serena Williams has abandoned her semi-final with Ash Barty.
Williams pulled out of the Yarra Valley Classic at Melbourne Park on Friday night with a right shoulder injury just days before the Australian Open.
The 39-year-old showed no ill effects from the issue and overcame fellow American Danielle Collins 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 to set up a semi-final showdown with world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty.
But hours later she withdrew from the tournament.
“Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Yarra Valley Classic singles draw due to a right shoulder injury,” the WTA said.
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It was a dramatic turnaround for Williams after she had earlier on Friday spoken warmly about her likely meeting with Barty, scheduled for Saturday.
“It will be an opportunity for both of us to kind of get back in the swing of things,” Williams originally said of the Barty match-up.
“It’s definitely a good opportunity to see where I’m going against the current No. 1. That’s really important for me.
“Obviously, I think, for her as well, to see where she’s going against my game.
“I think I’m a pretty big player just on all surfaces. I think all around it’s a really good opportunity for us both.”
Williams was shooting from the hip after her quarter-final, insisting she still sets the standards for women’s tennis.
Williams has looked sharp having worked her way back from an Achilles injury suffered at last year’s US Open, which then led to a withdrawal from the French Open before the second round.
Asked whether she was still the best in the world when on top form, Williams was unequivocal.
“I absolutely wouldn’t be playing if I didn’t think that,” said the American, who is aiming for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
Williams has won both of her matches against Barty.
The Australian now awaits the winner between Marketa Vondrousova and Garbine Muguruza in the final.
Williams is aiming for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and had been in good form so far in Melbourne.
“Look forward to seeing you back on court next week,” the Australian Open said on its official Twitter account.
