Wuhan (China): Top seed Serena Williams had to be helped off the court as she retired ill during her first set at the inaugural Wuhan Open in China yesterday.


Serena is in obvious discomfort during the match. Pics/AFP

The World No 1 had her temperature and blood pressure checked before retiring while 6-5 up against France's Alize Cornet, after just over an hour on court. It brought an abrupt end to Williams' first match since she won her 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open in New York two weeks ago.