Absent from the WTA Tour since injuring her right hamstring at Wimbledon, Serena Williams announced Wednesday that she will miss the 2021 US Open as she continues to recover from what she revealed was a tear.
"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," the six-time US Open singles champion announced on Instagram. "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."
The world No. 22 had not missed a Grand Slam since her 2018 return from pregnancy.
A semifinalist or better in each of her past 11 US Open appearances, Williams reached back-to-back finals here in 2018 and 2019, and advanced to the semifinals in 2020. Her last US Open singles title came in 2014, when she capped a historic run of three straight New York trophies. Serena holds a 106-14 singles record in New York, with the 106 wins her most at any major and the most of any player (male or female) in US Open history. Her six singles titles tie her with Chris Evert for the Open era record.
The American won her 23rd Grand Slam singles title at the 2017 Australian Open, while pregnant with daughter Olympia. Since her return to the WTA Tour in 2018, she's reached four Grand Slam finals, including two at Wimbledon, in her quest to equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 major singles titles.
Williams, who will turn 40 on Sept. 26, concluded her update on a positive note, hinting at her return to the court as she directly addressed her fans.
"Thank you for your continued support and love," she wrote. "I'll see you soon."
