US Open 2021 - Serena Williams withdraws on eve of draw due to injury as hunt for Grand Slam 24 goes on
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ByEurosport
Updated 25/08/2021 at 12:03 GMT
The draw for the 2021 US Open takes place on Thursday and the competition has already been deprived of arguably its biggest name with Serena Williams forced out due to injury. After departing Wimbledon in tears, it is another blow to Williams, who continues to hunt down an elusive 24th Grand Slam title.
Serena Williams of The United States reacts in her Ladies' Singles First Round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus during Day Two of The Championships - Wimbledon 2021
Image credit: Getty Images
Serena Williams' quest for a 24th Grand Slam has been further delayed after the US Open confirmed that she had withdrawn from the event on Wednesday.
The former world number one also confirmed the news on her own Instagram account, saying that her withdrawal is due to a torn hamstring.
She wrote: "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 from afar.
"Thank you for your continued support and love. I'll see you soon."
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has carried a hamstring injury since she slipped in her first-round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich at Wimbledon in June, forcing her to withdraw from the Slam.
Williams looked set to return for the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati earlier this month, but she withdrew from the tournament due to the persistent injury.
Now the six-time US Open champion's torn hamstring means she will miss her first Grand Slam since returning from maternity leave in 2018.
Since Serena, who turns 40 next month, made her comeback she has reached four Grand Slam finals, but has not won one since the Australian Open in 2017.
The US Open at Flushing Meadows in New York begins on August 30.
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