Serena Williams made an emotional exit from the Rogers Cup after a back injury forced her to retire.
The tennis champion retired early in the first set of the Rogers Cup final against Bianca Andreescu with an upper back injury.
According to USA Today, Williams, who reaches the Wimbledon final last month, had been complaining of severe back spasms prior to bowing out of the match. Andreescu, 19, broke her serve in the first set and held a 3-1 advantage before the match was ultimately called.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t do it today,” Williams, 37, told the crowd from the court after the match. “I tried, but I couldn’t. Bianca, you’re a great sportswoman. It’s been a tough year, but I’m going to keep going.”
Andreescu comforted Williams with a hug after her tearful address.
Andreescu becomes the first Canadian to win the Rogers Cup, which was held in Montreal this year.
