Serena Williams withdraws from her semi-final against Simona Halep at the BNP Paribas Open due to a right knee injury

    Serena Williams withdrew before her semifinal at the BNP Paribas Openon Friday night after sustaining a right knee injury.

The world's number one was set to play third-seeded Simona Halep in the second semifinal.

Shortly after it was confirmed by the tournament officials, Williams announced the news on her Instagram account saying, "4 months ago I began a journey to play Indian Wells and it was amazing. I never dreamed I could do it. But I would not have been able to do this without my fans. Though it ended early due to injury this year, I have to say I cannot wait to try again next year. Thanks everyone. I love you so much!"

4 months ago I began a journey to play Indian Wells and it was amazing. I never dreamed I could do it. But I would not have been able to do this without my fans. Though it ended early due to injury this year, I have to say I cannot wait to try again next year. Thanks everyone. I love you so much! 😘

A photo posted by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Mar 20, 2015 at 8:27pm PDT

Simona Halep advanced to Sunday's final and will face Jankovic, who beat Lisicki 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. Follow on twitter @natezone14 for more updates and like our Facebook page ZephNate