Shoulder injury forces Serena Williams out of Montreal

Quebec: Serena Williams will miss next week`s WTA event in Montreal after the world number one withdrew with a shoulder injury, tournament organisers announced on Sunday.

"Due to inflammation in my shoulder, I unfortunately must withdraw from the (tournament). I was looking forward to competing in Montreal and I look forward to returning soon," Williams said in a statement.

Williams, a three-time winner of the event that rotates between Montreal and Toronto each year, equalled Steffi Graf`s Open era record of 22 Grand Slam titles with her victory at Wimbledon earlier this month.

"Of course, we are disappointed that Serena will not play in the tournament this year," said tournament director Eugenie Lapierre.

"Because this is an Olympic year, the players have very full schedules. Sometimes your body needs rest. We hope that Serena will recover quickly and wish her much success for the rest of the season."

Williams, who turns 35 in September, is aiming to defend her Olympic singles crown in Rio next month and will also team up with sister Venus in search of a fourth gold medal in the doubles.