ROME -- Serena Williams isnt committing to playing in the Italian Open yet as she waits to see how her injured left thigh feels. The top-ranked Williams withdrew before her quarterfinal match at the Madrid Open last week. "Im taking it a day at a time. Well see as the week goes on. I have the rest of the day off and Ill see how I feel tomorrow," Williams said Monday. "I hit some balls today a little bit so Im going to see later tonight how it feels." In Madrid, Williams had her thigh heavily bandaged and said the injury occurred during a first-round victory over Belinda Bencic. She dismissed conjecture of pulling out for precautionary reasons. "I dont do anything out of precaution anymore. You live once and I feel like anything can happen tomorrow," Williams said. "I just physically couldnt play. I was in a lot of pain and just wasnt able to continue. When I play I want to give 100 per cent. "I want to go out there and I want to give the fans everything that they deserve and everything that they come to see," Williams added. "And I just wasnt going to even come close to being there." Williams is the defending champion at the Foro Italico, and also won the title in 2002. Shell also be the defending champion when the French Open starts in two weeks. Compared to earlier in her career, Williams said she really enjoys the red clay of Rome and Paris now. "I love the challenge of having to be more consistent and having to be that much better," she said. Williams is slated to open against either Romina Oprandi of Switzerland or Andrea Petkovic of Germany. Shes one of eight Americans in the draw -- quite a large showing compared to recent years. "Its good timing. Im nearing the end of my career, I guess -- who knows when its going to end, I love playing -- and people get inspired by different Americans maybe, and maybe start to play now," Williams said. "I love seeing all the Americans around." The other Americans in Rome are Varvara Lepchenko, Sloane Stephens, Christina McHale, Lauren Davis, Madison Keys, Alison Riske and Serenas older sister Venus Williams. At 32, Serena Williams marveled at the retirement announcement last week by former No. 1 Dinara Safina, who is 28. "Shes a lot younger than me," Serena said. "I just enjoy it right now. I enjoy my practice and Im starting to look in the mirror like, Wow. Whats wrong with me? I should be starting to not enjoy it so much. But the older I get the more I enjoy it. Its kind of weird but Im going to take it as it is." Nike VAPORMAX Black+Cherry . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins (3) - Surrendered a tough first goal against on a deflection through the body short side. Wholesale Off White Vapormax . They never thought it would take some blood, too. Kevin Love grabbed his 4,000th career rebound as part of a 19-point, 13-board effort to lead the Timberwolves over the Utah Jazz 112-97 on Tuesday night. http://www.clearancevapormax.com/nike-va...-clearance.html. -- Zach Johnson asked his short-iron approach on the par-4 18th to "Do something right, baby. Off-White x Nike VAPORMAX Black White . Barnard, 28, was 1-0 with a 0.53 ERA in three appearances, including two starts, with San Angel o this season. He struck out 19 batters and walked just one in 17 innings pitched. He has previous American Association experience with the Lincoln Saltdogs, El Paso Diablos and Amarillo Sox. Fake Vapormax 97 .com) - Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar and New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo were named the NHLs players of the week on Monday.The Montreal Alouettes found a diamond in the rough this season. However, Jim Popp isnt sure how long hell be able to admire wide receiver Duron Carter. "Do I think we are going to lose him? Absolutely," general manager and head coach said on the latest Als This Week on TSN 690. Popp understands that having a young, talented wide receiver has its negatives; that every catch and every touchdown will not only motivate any player to do more but itll attract suitors from down South. "Hes a very intelligent young man and hes only 22 years old. Hes going to get bigger and stronger and more mature," Popp continued. At 65", 205 pounds, Carter is already big and strong, its the maturing that has been amplified in his first professional football season. Just like many American-born CFL player, let alone the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter, he still thinks of the National Football League as an option. "The NFL has always been a dream of mine, but Im doing well right now and Im comfortable," Carter said after practice Wednesday, in preparation for the East Semi-Final. Both Carter and Popp know that the NFL isnt around the corner this winter because he still has a year left on his contract. Plus, Carter was quick to point out and ease the mind of Alouettes fans that he isnt ready to hold out for the opportunity to go South like Hamiltons former WR/KR Chris Williams. "Were takking it a day at a time, were not trying to do a (Chris) Williams from last year, none of that," said Carter.dddddddddddd Thatll make Popp happy, if he already wasnt with his 49 receptions, 909 yards and five touchdowns. Those are numbers that would make any GM/head coach smile over an 18-game season, let alone the 11 games Carter played this year. If you were to pro-rate his numbers to a full season, Carter would have had 80 receptions, 1487 yards and eight touchdowns. That yardage would be tops in the league, ahead of the Eskimos Fred Stamps, his receptions and touchdowns, good for fourth overall. This is also Carters first season of competitive football in three years, so hes very appreciative for the opportunity Popp and the Alouettes have given him. "Im just getting back into playing games and everything, Im really fortunate to be playing for Montreal." Hell be playing a big role for the Alouettes this Sunday against the Tiger-Cats in the East Semi-Final. Two of his three 100-yard receiving games have come against Hamiltons defence. He totaled 17 catches, 285 yards and two scores in the three games against Hamilton. Carter is ready to make waves this weekend and next season for the Alouettes, but Popp knows hes shining too bright to keep him around forever. "With his bloodline and everything he can do, were only going to have him in Montreal for so long," Popp lamented. ' ' '