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Serena Williams opts out of Australian Open

The 40-year-old will be missing in action based on the advice of her doctors.

• December 8, 2021
Serena at AO 2020
Serena at AO 2020 [Photo credit: Tennis World USA]

U.S. tennis star, Serena Williams, will not compete at the Australian Open in January on the advice of doctors, organisers announced on Wednesday.

The seven-time winner, 40, is still one behind the record of a grand slam tournament victory with 23 titles.

“While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete.

“Melbourne is one of my favourite cities to visit and I look forward to playing at the AO every year.

 “I will miss seeing the fans, but I’m excited to return and compete at my highest level,” she said. 

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