Serena Williams in action during a match. File

Gulf Today Report

Serena Williams on Wednesday announced her withdrawal from next week's US Open, joining the growing list of big-name who pulled out of the tournament.

The American announced her decision on her Instagram page.

Citing the torn hamstring injury for not participating the in this year’s last Grand Slam, she also joined the list of top tennis stars (Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem), who pulled out of the mega event.

The former world no. 1 hasn’t competed since making a tearful exit after injuring her right leg during the first round match of the Wimbledon against Aliaksandra Sasnovich in late June.

The American, who turns 40 next month, said that after following the advice of her doctor, she decided not to play in the US Open to allow her body to heal completely.

In 2017, Serena missed the US Open because of the birth of her daughter. In 2018 and 2019 she reached the final, eventually losing both in her pursuit of record equaling Grand Salm title.

She is the winner of the 23 Grand Slams Singles title, trailing Margaret Court’s all time record of 24 titles just by one.