Serena Williams Injury: American Reveals Back Spasms Are Short-Term

Serena Williams’ chances of adding to her three Rogers Cup titles came to a pre-mature end when she was forced to retire trailing 3-1 in the first set in the finals on Sunday. 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu claimed the title in front of her hometown crowd.

The 23-time women’s singles Grand Slam champion was looking for her first title since making her comeback after giving birth o daughter Alexis Olympia and would have been the favorite had the back spasms not struck. It would have been ideal preparation for Williams ahead of the US Open later this month.

The American revealed that the back spasms began on Saturday and despite the pain, she powered through four games of the opening set, but couldn't continue further as the pain got worse. However, on a positive note Williams indicated that the injury was not severe after revealing that another days rest and she would have been ready to play.

"My whole back just completely spasmed, and to a point where I couldn't sleep and I couldn't really move," Williams said, as quoted on CNN.

"That's the most frustrating part. I've had this before and it's, like, 24, 36 hours where I'm just in crazy spasm and then it's, like, gone. And so that's a little frustrating for me because I know that I could play, I just can't play today," the American added.

Williams also praised Andreescu after the match as the 19-year-old showed sympathy toward her more illustrious opponent. Instead of immediately cheering after winning the title, she chose to be by Williams’ side to comfort her. The American thanked the young Canadian for the kind gesture and praised her attitude.

"I was really sad and she made me feel a lot better, so that was really nice,” Williams said. "She's just a fabulous personality. She's only 19. She definitely doesn't seem like a 19-year-old in her words, on court, and her game, her attitude, her actions."