23-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, has pulled out of the 2021 US Open Grand Slam beginning on Monday due to a hamstring injury.
The 39-year-old tore her hamstring during the first round of her Wimbledon match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich on June 29 and was forced to withdraw form the match before being diagnosed.
After considering the risk, WIlliams has opted to miss the tourney at Flushing Meadows in order to give her body more time to recover.
Williams made the announcement on her Instagram on Wednesday.
She said, “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.
“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 on from afar.
“Thank you for your continued love and support. I’ll see you soon.”
Williams joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and defending men’s champion Dominic Thiem on the list of stars that have all also been forced to withdraw form the competition.
