Serena Out, Federer In For Madrid Open

April 29, 2016 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff

The Mutua Madrid Open got some good news earlier this week and then received some bad news, as three-time champion Roger Federer announced he will be play in the tournament, but on the women’s side of the draw, two-time champion Serena Williams will miss the tournament.

On Thursday, Federer’s agent, Tony Godsick, confirmed that the Swiss will play the Madrid event, which he won in 2006, 2009 and 2012. Federer is still working his way back from a knee injury that sidelined him for three months. He returned to action at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

“Federer is one of the best players in history and Madrid is a special place for him. We are delighted to have him back in the Caja Magica,” said Manolo Santana, the tournament’s director. “In addition, he is one of the fan favorites because of everything he has achieved in his career. We will be welcoming him with open arms.”

On Friday morning, however, Serena Williams announced that she has withdrawn from the Madrid Open. The defending French Open champion had been dealing with the flu and is still under the weather.

“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Madrid because I’ve been battling the flu and I’m not at 100 percent,” said Serena. “I look forward to returning soon.”

Agnieszka Radwanska will replace Serena as the tournament’s top seed.

The Madrid Open begins on Saturday. 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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