SERENA WILLIAMS’ return to tennis after a five-week break ended early with her retiring from the BNP Paribas Open because of a viral illness Sunday.

Williams raced to a 3-0 lead over two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza in their third-round match before dropping six straight games and the first set, 6-3.

“By the score, it might have looked like I started well, but I was not feeling at all well physically,” Williams said in comments distributed by tournament officials.

During the changeover between sets, Williams called for a trainer. She went back out and lost the first game of the second set. The match was soon declared over and Williams walked off the court.

“Before the match, I did not feel great and then it just got worse with every second; extreme dizziness and extreme fatigue,” Williams said. “I will focus on getting better and start preparing for Miami.”

(SD-Agencies)