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Serena Williams of the United States looks on prior to her Women’s Singles fourth round match against Petra Martic of Croatia on day seven of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 01, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Serena Williams of the United States looks on prior to her Women’s Singles fourth round match against Petra Martic of Croatia on day seven of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 01, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The six-time champion and four-time runner-up Serena Williams is always to watch out for at the US Open. However, following her tragic withdrawal from Wimbledon 2021, she is yet to return to the Tour. So, will she be playing the American Grand Slam this year?
On her official Instagram account, Serena Williams announced that she hasn’t fully recovered from her injury. Thus, she will not be competing for her Open Era record-extending 24th Grand Slam title at the upcoming US Open 2021.
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She wrote, “After careful consideration and following the advice of the doctors and medical team, I have decided to withdraw from the US Open to allow my body to heal completely from a torn hamstring.”
When did Serena Williams last played on the Tour?
The 23-time Grand Slam champion slipped and injured her leg during her Wimbledon opening round match. Accordingly, she had to withdraw from the tournament and hasn’t returned on the Tour since.
Before London, Serena played in Paris at the French Open. There, she lost in the fourth round against Russian-Kazakhstani tennis player Elena Rybakina.
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Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. leaves court as she retires from her first round match against Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich after sustaining an injury REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
Additionally, the American professional has played only four tournaments apart from the two. Her best results came in Australia, where she reached the semifinals in WTA 500 Melbourne and the Australian Open.
Coming to the US Open, Serena’s last three appearances ended as a finalist in 2018 and 2019 and semifinalist in 2020. Indeed, she would want to return here next year and play in front of the New York crowd.
“New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favorite places to play – I’ll miss seeing the fans but will be cheering everyone on from afar,” Serena wrote.
Read More: Venus Williams to Make a Comeback Ahead of US Open 2021
When can Serena return to the WTA Tour?
Despite so many titles and medals, Serena always gives her all on the court. That is one of the reasons why she is considered the queen of the sport.
Accordingly, the American professional will aim for complete recovery for the Australian Open 2022. However, she is returning 40 soon, which adds more doubts than certainty on her return.
Hopefully, she will recover fully from the injury and come back stronger than ever before. Without any doubt, fans will want to see her in Grand Slam tournaments next year.
Do you think Serena will win her long-awaited 24th Grand Slam title?
Watch this story: Serena Williams and Venus Williams Best Moments at the Wimbledon Championships
