Tennis: injured, American Serena Williams gives up 2021 US Open

Published on : 08/25/2021 – 14:03

After Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem, winner last year in the men’s table, the 2021 edition of the US Open loses another headliner. Serena Williams spoke on the social network Instagram Wednesday, August 25: she will not be able to claim a seventh coronation at Flushing Meadows. The 22nd player in the world withdraws from the tournament scheduled for August 30 to September 12.

“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 fully heal from a hamstring tear,” writes the American.

Serena Williams was injured in the first round of the Wimbledon tournament on June 29 against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Hard hit, she had to give up the meeting. Despite her efforts the rest of the summer and the deadlock on the Tokyo Olympics, she couldn’t fully recover to defend her chances at the US Open.

The quest for a 24th Major, which would make her the equal of Margaret Smith Court, will therefore wait until at least 2022. Her last Grand Slam title dates back to the 2017 Australian Open, won before she put her career on hold for a few months to give birth to her daughter Olympia in September of the same year.

“New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favorite places to play. I will regret not being able to see the fans but I will cheer everyone on from afar. Thank you for your continued support and your love. See you soon, “added the tenniswoman, who will celebrate her 40th birthday on September 26.

With AFP