Serena Williams hospitalized with blood clot; could miss almost a year

Associated Press

Serena Williams’ absence from tennis could stretch to almost a year after two new health scares — a blood clot in her lungs followed by a hematoma — have added to her injury woes.

Her agents confirmed Wednesday that Williams was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism last week and later needed treatment for a hematoma. The 13-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t played an official match since winning Wimbledon last July because of a foot injury she sustained not on the court but at a restaurant.

Her latest health problems have been “extremely hard, scary and disappointing,” Williams said in a statement. “I am doing better. I’m at home now and working with my doctors to keep everything under control. I know I will be OK, but am praying and hoping this will all be behind me soon.

“While I can’t make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer. That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely.”

People magazine first reported on Williams’ condition, quoting spokeswoman Nicole Chabot as saying Williams underwent “emergency treatment” Monday for a hematoma suffered as a result of treatment for “a more critical situation,” the pulmonary embolism.

The 29-year-old Williams was treated at a Los Angeles hospital then returned to her home in the city.

“Thankfully everything was caught in time,” her agents said in a statement. “With continued doctor visits to monitor her situation, she is recuperating at home under strict medical supervision.”

Williams’ mother, Oracene Price, tweeted: “Thank you for your concern. She is fine.”

On Tuesday night, Williams posted on her Twitter account, “Tough day.”