Before the much-anticipated US Open happens on Monday, Aug. 30, Serena and Venus Williams have confirmed withdrawals from the prestigious tournament, making this the first time since 2003 that both of them will not appear in the competition.
Serena, who turns 40 next month, cited a torn right hamstring that has kept her out of competition since she was injured in the first set of her first-round match at Wimbledon in late June. Venus, who is 41, shared she has a leg injury.
They announced their decisions via social media posts about 10 hours apart.
“Not the best news from Serena and I today. I, too, am unable to play the U.S. Open. It’s super super super disappointing,” Venus said. “Having some issues with my leg all this summer and just couldn’t work through it.”
Serena, a 23-time grand slam singles champion and her sister, Venus, a seven-time major singles champion said they were disappointed with the news.
“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,” Serena shared.
Prior to the announcement, Venus has played Monday in a WTA 250 tournament in Chicago but bowed to Hsieh Su-Wei in the opening round. She made her major debut at the US Open in 1997, where she won the event twice.
“I’m going to miss the Open,” she said. “It’s my favorite Slam. I’ve had so many amazing memories there, and I can’t wait to get back out on the court, whenever that is. I’ll work with my team to make it as soon as I can. No date at this time.”
Aside from the Williams sisters, high-profile athletes defending men’s champion Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all announced they would not be competing due to injuries also.IMT
