Tennis: Serena Williams Withdraws From US Open With Injury
Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week’s US Open tournament after the American said on Wednesday that her torn hamstring had not completely healed ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.
The six-time champion at Flushing Meadows, Williams, who has been on the hunt for an elusive 24th major, skipped the Olympics in Tokyo due to injury. She also withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters, a tune-up event to the US Open
Williams, 39, has had an injury-marred season and limped out of her first-round match at Wimbledon in tears due to the leg injury.
“After careful consideration and following the advice of my doctors and medical team, I have decided to withdraw from the US Open to allow my body to heal completely from a torn hamstring,” Williams wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favourite places to play — I’ll miss seeing the fans but will be cheering everyone from afar.”
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Williams is the latest big name to pull out of the tournament after reigning men’s champion Dominic Thiem and four-time winner Rafael Nadal ended their 2021 season due to injuries.
Her withdrawal from the tournament casts further doubt over whether she can match Margaret Court’s record of 24 major titles, as she turns 40 next month.
The main draw of the US Open gets underway in New York on Monday.
- Read more: Serena Williams to miss 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.
