Tennis fans who were hoping to see Serena Williams back in action at the Australian Open can close the book. The 40-year-old tennis star is not going to be there and confirmed it herself and said that her decision was based on the advice to her by her medical team.
“Following the advice of my medical team, I have decided to withdraw from this year’s Australian Open,” Williams said in a statement. “While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete,” she added.
The last time that Williams competed in multiple Australian Open Tournaments was way back in 2003. The seven-time women’s singles champion was not on the list of entries released on Wednesday, Dec. 8.
Before the announcement of Williams not being in the Australian Open, the CEO of the tournament, Craig Tiley said last month that a woman who holds more Grand Slam titles at 23, was likely going to join the tournament. All that was rebuffed following Serena’s announcement.
Williams has not made a WTA appearance since retiring in her opening match at Wimbledon on account of a hamstring injury. Being indisposed, the tennis star has dropped in the rankings and is now at no. 41.
With uncertainty in the air, it appears Williams holds low chances of equalizing the most Grand Slam titles than any other woman set at 24. This honor belongs to Margaret Courts and Williams needs only one more to match it.
Williams has had great success at the Australian Open in the past. Her last career Grand Slam title was at the 2017 Australian Open.
In the 2021 Australian Open, Williams made it all the way to the semifinals before falling to Naomi Osaka in straight sets.
Serena Williams is not the only one who will miss the tournament. Bianca Andreescu will also be absent as she takes a mental break from the sport. She plans to sit out the start of the 2022 season, starting with the Australian Open.
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