Serena Williams pulls out of US Open due to injury

Serena Williams has pulled out of the 2021 US Open, which begins next week.

In a post on Instagram the 23-time Grand Slam champion said she withdrew because she needs to allow her body to “heal completely” from a torn hamstring.

Williams wrote on Instagram: “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 on from afar.

“Thank you for your continued love and support. I’ll see you soon,” the six-time US Open champ said.

Williams, 39, suffered the injury to her hamstring during her first-round exit at Wimbledon in June. She joins defending men’s champion Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, in pulling out of this year’s final Grand Slam.

This means the great American will wait until next year for another chance at equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

The 2021 US Open begins on 30 August.