Serena Williams has joined Andy Murray among the big names to withdraw from this year’s Australian Open.
William gave birth to her first child, a girl named Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on Sept. 1. She was to play in her first Grand Slam event since last year’s Australian Open, where she beat her older sister Venus in the final for her 23rd major title, the most in the Open Era. This year’s event begins Jan. 15.“After competing in Abu Dhabi I realized that although I am super close, I’m not where I personally want to be,” Williams said.
“My coach and team always said ‘only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’. I can compete – but I don’t want to just compete, I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time.
“With that being said, and even though I am disappointed about it, I’ve decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year.
“The memory of last year’s Open is one that I will carry with me, and Olympia and I look forward to coming back again.
“I appreciate the support and understanding of my fans and everyone at the Australian Open.”
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