So sad Venus Williams withdrew from the China Open due to a viral illness

So sad, Venus Williams withdrew from the China Open with a viral illness on Thursday shortly before her third-round match against Petra Kvitova.

The match would have been a repeat of their third-round encounter at Wimbledon, which Kvitova won in three sets after being just two points from defeat in the second set. Kvitova then went on to win her second title at the All England Club.

China Open organisers said Williams was suffering from a viral illness. Venus’ sister, Serena, also withdrew from a tournament last week in the central Chinese city of Wuhan citing a virus.

Defending champion Serena Williams battled back from a second set blowout to overcome Lucie Safarova 6-1 1-6 6-2. Williams took the first set in 26 minutes but was left with plenty of work to do after the world No.13 won five straight games to send the match into a decider.

However, the top seed cruised in the final set to book her place in the quarter-final.

Simona Halep, the No.2 seed eventually beat No.15 seed Andrea Petkovic 7-6(4) 5-7 7-6(1) after over two and a half hours on court.
Source: www.punchng.com

10/02/2014