Serena Williams announced her shock withdrawal from the French Open due to injury, minutes before her scheduled fourth-round clash match against long-time rival Maria Sharapova, on Monday.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed that she had suffered a pectoral muscle injury during her game against Julia Goerges.

“I unfortunately have been having some issues with my pec, my pec muscle, and (it) has unfortunately been getting worse to the point where right now I can’t actually serve. It’s kind of hard to play when I can’t physically serve,” Serena said.

The 36-year old did not answer whether she will compete at Wimbledon.

“I’m beyond disappointed,” she said.

“I gave up so much time with my daughter and time with my family all for this moment. So it’s really difficult to be in this situation.”

Meanwhile, Sharapova said she was sad to see her opponent go out this way and wished her a quick recovery.

“I was looking forward to my match against Serena and am disappointed that she had to withdraw.”

“I wish her a speedy recovery and hope she returns to the tour soon.”