Serena Williams confirmed in a shocking announcement that she will not participate in the Australian Open “following the advice of my medical team.”
Having competed in multiple Australian Open tournaments, her first one dating back to 2003, the seven-time women’s singles champion was not on the entry list that was released Wednesday for this year’s tournament.
“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.”
The news comes following Craig Tiley, the CEO of the Australian Open, stating last month that the tennis star likely would be playing at Melbourne Park for the tournament.
Since retiring from her opening-round match at Wimbledon due to a hamstring injury, Williams has not made an appearance on the WTA tour — dropping her rank down to No. 41.
With the tennis star’s decision to withdraw from the tournament, many speculate this could be the last they will see the former Grand Slam champion in Melbourne.
Williams, who holds more Grands Slam singles titles (23) than any other woman, or man, will only need one more to match Margaret Court’s record with 24.
