Garbine Muguruza Advances to Fourth Round After Serena Retires

Serena Williams has retired from the 2019 BNP Paribas Open.

In one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of opening weekend action at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams took on world No. 20 Garbine Muguruza.

After defeating Victoria Azarenka in a thrilling second round matchup on Friday evening, Williams looked primed to make a run towards her first title of the 2019 season. Unfortunately for her – (as well as the thousands of her supporters in attendance) – she will have to wait a little longer.

Although she started the match well taking an early 3-1 lead, Williams revealed she was feeling ill well before play began. “Before the match, I did not feel great, and then it just got worse with every second; extreme dizziness and extreme fatigue.”

Williams was forced to retire due to viral illness during the second set of the match, pushing the Spaniard Muguruza through by the score of 6-3, 1-0.