Serena Williams RETIRES from Indian Wells against Garbine Muguruza

'I can't breathe': Serena Williams RETIRES from Indian Wells against Garbine Muguruza

SERENA WILLIAMS has retired from her match against Garbine Muguruza due to a "viral illness".

Williams started the match well against Muguruza and lead 3-0.

But she was broken back and Muguruza then won six games in a row to drop the first set 6-3.

Before the second set, Williams was seen by the trainer, who took her blood pressure.

And after playing one more game, Williams spoke to the trainer again and was heard saying: 'I can’t breathe'.

She then signalled she was unable to continue and shook Muguruza's hand before leaving the court.

Over 30 minutes after leaving the court, the official reason for Williams' retirement was given as "viral illness".

"Before the match I did not feel great and then it just got worse with every second - extreme dizziness and extreme fatigue," the American said in a statement.

"By the score it might have looked like I started well, but I was not feeling at all well physically. I will focus on getting better and start preparing for Miami."

After the match, Muguruza sent her best wishes to Williams.

"We've played many times and it is always super tough and super exciting.

"It is never good to see someone that is maybe not feeling well.

"I wish I'm going to see her soon, and better!"

Muguruza will now face either Kiki Bertens or Johanna Konta in the round of 16.