Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Italian Open to avoid aggravating a back injury ahead of the French Open.
The 13-time grand slam winner was due to meet China's Li Na in the semi-finals but pulled out complaining of small twinges.
“I've been playing a lot and my body is getting used to a lot of matches again”Serena Williams
But Williams insisted she would be fine for Roland Garros starting on 28 May.
"I'm fine, I'll be 100% for the French," she said. "I've been feeling a little pain this week and I have a huge schedule coming up."
Williams, who reached the semi-finals after quarter-final opponent Flavia Pennetta withdrew after four games with a wrist injury, has complained of back trouble since winning clay titles in Charleston and Madrid.
"I would have hoped to have played until the end of that match but it would have depended on my back," she added.
"I've been playing a lot and my body is getting used to a lot of matches again.
"My form is good heading to Paris. I want to be ready for the next couple of months."
China's eighth seed Li will face German Angelique Kerber or defending champion Maria Sharapova for the Italian Open title.
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