

Serena Williams bowed out of her scheduled Hopman Cup opener with Australia’s Elina Svitolina, citing knee inflammation.





Serena Williams will not play in #TeamUSA's opening #HopmanCup tie due to knee inflammation. Vicky Duval will replace her this morning. — Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 4, 2016

But the 21-time major champion, who has not played since the U.S. Open last September, said she’ll likely be all good for Team U.S.A.’s next match against the Aussies on Tuesday.

Serena: "I had every intention to play this morning. Unfortunately due to inflammation in my knee I need to rest" #HopmanCup — Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 4, 2016

Serena: "I am confident to be out there against Aussie Gold tomorrow evening" #HopmanCup — Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 4, 2016

Williams was replaced by 20-year-old Vicky Duval, who fell to Svitolina, 6-4, 6-1. Alexandr Dolgopolov defeated Jack Sock, 6-4, 6-2, to give the Ukraine the win.



Duval and Sock paired to take the mixed doubles over Svitolina and Dolgopolov in straight sets.



Duval, who was proclaimed cancer-free last year after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, continues to win praise for her positivity and promise.

So happy seeing @vicky_duval95 back on my tv! 🎉🎉 — Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) January 4, 2016