Agnieszka Radwanska has coughing fit during press conference, leaves (VIDEO)
As if Agnieszka Radwanska didn't have enough on her mind -- playing Saturday in her first Grand Slam final on the sport's biggest stage against her generation's greatest player -- she has an illness to contend with too.
The world No. 3 had a coughing fit during a press conference after her straight-set semifinal win over Angelique Kerber. It was so bad that Radwanska had to leave the presser.
She released a statement about the illness on Friday afternoon:
"Unfortunately I have picked up an upper respiratory illness, which is affecting my nose and throat. I have been playing a lot of matches here in the rain and cold wind, and I haven't been well for a few days. The most important thing is that I'm feeling good on the court and playing some good tennis, despite not being able to talk much away from the court.
The priority is my singles match tomorrow, so I will do whatever it takes to make sure I'm ready to play the best I can. It was unfortunate that the illness meant I had to withdraw from doubles. Of course, it is always a good sign to be playing singles and doubles in the second week of a Grand Slam, but I wasn't able to continue in both events.
As everyone could see yesterday, I wasn't able to complete my press conference. I was really hoping that I would have improved overnight so I could come in to finish my press today, but unfortunately I can't speak for very long, and so I have done as much as I can do today. I'm very sorry about that. [...]"
Radwanska is scheduled to face Serena Williams in the ladies Wimbledon final at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday.
