25th August, 2021
Serena Williams has joined tennis heavyweights in withdrawing from the US Open, which begins on 30 August.
She cited hamstring injury.
The 39-year-old tore her hamstring during a match at Wimbledon earlier this summer and was forced to retire as a result.
‘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,’ she wrote 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 on from afar.
‘Thank you for your continued love and support. I’ll see you soon.’
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and defending men’s champion Dominic Thiem have all also been forced to withdraw.