Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova has expressed her regret that Serena Williams won't be able to play in a match with her, Times journalist Stuart Fraser reported, citing Sharapova's words.
"I was looking forward to my match against Serena [Williams] today and am disappointed that she had to withdraw. I wish her a speedy recovery and hope she returns to the tour soon," Sharapova said.
Serena Williams announced on June 4 that she won't be able to participate in a match with Sharapova due to "issues with pec muscle." According to her, she "can't physically serve" and thus can't play properly.
READ MORE: Serena Williams Slams Sharapova's Book as 'Hearsay' Ahead of French Open Game
Williams earlier reacted harshly to Sharapova's memoir, where the latter suggested that a fierce rivalry began between them after she won a match against Williams in 2004 and later learned that she cried in a locker room following the game. Williams slammed the book as "hearsay" and expressed regret at the fact that Sharapova viewed the event in that light.