MADRID: Maria Sharapova celebrates after winning the women\'s singles third round tennis match against Australian player Samantha Stosur at the Madrid Masters at the Magic Box (Caja Magica) sports complex here Thursday. — AFP Photo MADRID, May 9 (AFP): Maria Sharapova beat Li Na to book her place in the last four of the Madrid Open as top seed and reigning champion Serena Williams pulled out of the tournament Friday.
Williams was due to face Petra Kvitova in the quarter-finals but pulled out due to a thigh injury she had been carrying since sweeping aside Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic in the first round Sunday.
"I have a left thigh injury and, unfortunately, have to withdraw from this year's Madrid Open," said Williams.
"It happened during my first round match. It started to get better, but most importantly right now, I just need some time to rest and recover.
"It's beyond words. It's so frustrating." However, the American insisted that she will try to defend her title at the Internazionale BNL D'Italia in Rome next week.
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