Serena, Venus Williams pull out of US Open due to injury
Williams sisters join Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as absentees from Flushing Meadows
Serena Williams and her sister, Venus, have announced in separate posts that they would both not be participating in the 2021 US Open. The sisters cited niggling injury problems as their reason for deciding against participating in the tournament.
Six-time winner Serena Williams announced via her social media handles that she would not be able to play in this year’s US Open due to a hamstring injury she sustained in the past that has refused to heal completely. The 39-year-old mother of one said via her post that: “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 everyone on from afar. Thank you for your continued support and love, I’ll see you soon”. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will not be able to win an elusive 24th title that she has chased unsuccessfully since giving birth to her daughter.
In a video only hours later, Venus Williams announced that she would be joining her sister in pulling out of the US Open due to a leg injury that she has managed successfully in the past, but that was now beyond management as she had tried everything possible to be ready for the tournament, but to no avail. The 41-year-old received a wildcard pass into the main draw of the tournament due to her low WTA ranking of 111. The two-time US Open champion and former world number one was in high spirits as she decried her regret for having to miss the tournament.
The Williams sisters join fellow legends Roger Federer (knee) and Rafael Nadal (foot) in missing out of this year’s US Open due to injury, making it the first time in 24 years that all four of the players will not be part of the main draws for a Grand Slam. It is also the first time in 18 years that both Williams sisters will miss out on playing in the US Open.
