Serena Withdraws

A nagging thumb injury forced Serena Williams to withdraw from the Pilot Pen tourney on Friday. Tournament Director Anne Worcester made the announcement just before the draw for the women's field.

"We'll keep trying to bring Serena to New Haven," Worcester said. "We still have a very strong field and fans will see exciting tennis right from the first round."

It's a tough break for the tournament as billboards with Serena's image can be seen in many places and it was just about a week ago when she committed to play.

As Worcester said prior to making the announcement: "weather and player injuries" are two things she can't control.

-- Shawn Rychling