Serena Williams pulls out of Miami Open, joining stars Djokovic, Nadal, Federer
The Associated Press | Posted: March 21, 2021 9:13 PM | Last Updated: March 21, 2021
8-time event winner, Florida resident cited recent oral surgery for her withdrawal
Serena Williams is the latest Grand Slam champion to withdraw from the Miami Open.
Williams pulled out Sunday, citing recent oral surgery. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer previously announced they would skip the tournament, which begins Tuesday.
Williams, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has won the event a record eight times, most recently in 2015.
"Miami is a special tournament for me because it's my home," she said in a statement. "I am sad I won't be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon."
Williams' most recent match was a month ago at the Australian Open, where she lost to Naomi Osaka in the semifinals.