The 23-time major champion Serena Williams will not compete in this year’s Miami Open, which starts next week. She recently had oral surgery and does not feel ready to take part in the competitions.
The world number 7 is the top ranked player to retire from Miami to date, and Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic are on the list of the most notable absent players.
Twenty-two years after cracking the top 10 for the first time, the American is still one of the best players in the world, achieves almost everything and is still fighting hard to conquer the 24th major crown. Serena got the 23rd
Major title at the 2017 Australian Open before taking a hiatus and giving birth to her daughter later that year. The American returned in March 2018 and reached four major finals at Wimbledon and the US Open within the next two years.
She did her best to deserve that elusive 24th major but suffered four losses. After an injury at Roland Garros last year, Williams recovered in time for the Australian Open and chased Melbourne’s eighth crown.
Serena delivered her best tennis since her return in 2018, beating five rivals to reach the semifinals, including wins over Aryna Sabalenka and Simona Halep! Williams aimed for the trophy and faced Naomi Osaka in an exciting duel.
She suffered a 6-3, 6-4 loss.
Serena Williams won’t compete in Miami this year
Serena made too many casual mistakes against the young Japanese girl, wasted an early lead in the first set, and dropped back after hitting 4-4 in the second set.
With these points, Williams returned to the top 10 for the first time since November and was hoping for more opportunities with majors for the remainder of the season. Serena will turn 40 in August and continues to compete with the same enthusiasm.
She gives him 100% in every game and is a role model for young tennis players. Prior to this oral surgery, Serena trained with Grigor Dimitrov in Miami and prepared for another title hunt before this oral surgery changed her plans.
“I am disappointed that I withdrew from the Miami Open because of a recent oral operation. Miami is a special tournament for me because it is my home. I am sad that I cannot see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon, “said Serena Williams.
“We will definitely miss Serena at this year’s tournament and I know it was a very difficult decision for her. She won the Miami Open more than any other player in history, has a home here in South Florida and is always a fan favorite .
We hope to see her back on the field soon and look forward to welcoming her back next year, “said Tournament Director James Blake. Photo credit: Canal Tenis
–
