Tennis: Serena Williams fights back tears, after withdrawing from Rogers Cup final

An emotional Serena Williams has been forced to retire from the Rogers Cup tennis final in Toronto, with a back injury after just 16 minutes on court.

She trailed Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu 3-1, when the match came to a premature end.

Williams, 37, called for a medical timeout and less than a minute later, the chair umpire announced the American was retiring from the match.

As Williams sat dejected in her chair, Andreescu, who is no stranger to injury setbacks, went over to console her.

Williams was hoping to win her first title since returning to competition in 2018, after the birth of her daughter.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do it today," Williams said. "I tried, but I just couldn't do it. 

"It's been a tough year, but we'll keep going."

The setback has now raised questions about Williams' fitness for the US Open in two weeks. 

While Williams struggled, Andreescu rejoiced in becoming the first Canadian to win the Rogers Cup women's singles title since 1969.

Andreescu played in Auckland earlier this year and beat Serena's big sister, Venus, on her way to the final.

"I'm speechless right now," she said. "I'm the first Canadian to make the final and win this tournament since 1969.

"This week has not been easy, I've had many many tough matches and especially what I've been through the last two months hasn't been easy. 

"I kept telling myself never give up."

The US Open, where Williams hopes to win her 24th Grand Slam title, starts on August 27.

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