Williams sisters pull out of French Open doubles
Serena Williams of the U.S. returns against Caroline Garcia of France in their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament, at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Williams won in two sets 6-1, 6-2. AP/Christophe Ena
PARIS — Serena and Venus Williams have pulled out of doubles at the French Open before playing a match.
The sisters were supposed to compete in that event at Roland Garros for the first time since 2010 after receiving a wild card from the tournament.
But they withdrew Wednesday. No reason was given by the tournament.
Venus said she was bothered by pain in her back during a three-set loss in singles Sunday. Serena is into the third round of singles.
They have won a total of 13 Grand Slam trophies in women’s doubles, including at the French Open in 1999 and 2010.
The sisters have played in only one doubles tournament this season, losing to eventual champions Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in the Australian Open quarterfinals in January.
