STOCKHOLM, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Six-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams pulled out of the Swedish Open on Thursday with an elbow injury.

The US star was due to play in the round of 16 but withdrew from the tournament shortly before the match, public broadcaster SVT reported.

"I am devastated, but I hope to be back some day," Williams told SVT by the side of the court.

Williams said she had to heed her medical team's advice after a practice session on Thursday morning.

"It hurt when I hit the ball. I've had great problems with it so today when it didn't feel good, the doctors said it would be best not make it worse," said Williams.

The 33-year-old claimed her sixth Wimbledon title at the weekend, leaving only the US Open on her path to a full Grand Slam in 2015.

"I had problems with my elbow at Wimbledon and the French Open. Playing many matches makes it worse. But I'm positive I can continue my journey toward a real Grand Slam," she said.