Serena Williams withdraws from BNP Paribas Open

Serena Williams has withdrawn from her semifinal at the BNP Paribas Open because of a right knee injury.

The BNP Paribas Open broke the news via Twitter tweeting:

#Serena Williams has withdrawn from her semifinal match vs. Halep due to a right knee injury #BNPPO15″

Williams also addressed her fans via her Instagram page shortly following the announcement:

“4 months ago I began a journey to play Indian Wells and it was amazing. I never dreamed I could do it. But I would not have been able to do this without my fans. Though it ended early due to injury this year, I have to say I cannot wait to try again next year. Thanks everyone. I love you so much!”

The world’s top-ranked player was set to play third-seeded Simona Halep in the second semifinal Friday night. She was expected to address the crowd on-court after the first semifinal between Jelena Jankovic and Sabine Lisicki.

Williams was back at Indian Wells for the first time in 14 years, having ended her boycott that began after she won the title in 2001 as a 19-year-old and was heavily booed. She was supposed to play younger sister Venus in a semifinal that year, and Venus withdrew 20 minutes beforehand with a knee injury.

Serena went on to win the title, but fans booed her throughout the title match and she vowed never to return to the desert event.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3/CBS Local 2 for updates on this story as it develops.