23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams and seven-time major singles winner Venus Williams have withdrawn from the 2021 U.S. Open, the sisters announced via social media on Wednesday.
Serena took to Instagram to announce that she will not be competing in this year’s final tennis major due to a torn hamstring, stating, “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 favorite places to play,” she added. “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.”
Serena, who will turn 40 next month, is one title away from claiming the all-time Grand Slam singles record of 24 championships, which is currently held by Margaret Court.
Venus then announced that she will also not be playing due to a leg injury in a video posted to Instagram, later on Wednesday.
“It’s super, super, super disappointing,” Venus said. “I’m having some issues with my leg all this summer, and just couldn’t work through it.”
“I tried my best here in Chicago [at the WTA 250 Chicago Women’s Open], but I just was unable to figure out the equation. And there’s been so many times where I’ve been able to figure it out, even not in the best of my health, but this time, I just couldn’t make any miracles work.”
The Williams sisters join Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who will also sit out this year’s competition due to injuries.
The U.S. Open is scheduled to commence next Monday in Flushing Meadows.
Elsewhere in sports, Tony Hawk has partnered with Liquid Death to release skateboard decks infused with his blood.
