"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," wrote the
39-year-old American.
Williams, who has not played since a tearful first round
exit at Wimbledon when she hobbled off court during the first set against
Aliaksandra Sasnovich, is a six-time winner in New York.
She won her first Major at the 1999 US Open as a teenager,
the first step on her path to a domination of the women's game.
Williams, whose ranking has now slipped to 22, last missed
the US Open in 2017 because of the birth of her daughter.
She reached the final in 2018 and 2019, losing both which
added to her frustration as she attempts to equal Margaret Court's record of 24
Grand Slam singles titles.
"New York is one of the most exciting cities in the
world and one of my favorite places to play — I'll miss seeing the fans but
will be cheering everyone on from afar. Thank you for your continued support
and love. I'll see you soon," she wrote on social media.
Williams is the latest big name to withdraw from the US Open
following multiple winners Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as well as the 2020
men's champion Dominic Thiem.
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