Serena Williams is out of the Australian Open, with the woman superstar citing fitness reasons for the withdrawal.
The Australian Open is seeing multiple world-class players failing to make it. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are just two of the big names sitting out, and now the 23-time Grand Slam winner has joined the list.
The American superstar hit 40 years of age in September wants to reach the 24 Grand Slam record held by Margaret Court. However, she will have to wait for that, because her fitness is still not at a 100%.
Serena is officially out of the Australian Open, joining a long list of names missing out on the tournament.
“While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete,” she said, as quoted by the South African.
“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 am excited to return and compete at my highest level.”
Get the jab
Ahead of the tournament draw being announced, the organisers stressed on all players getting vaccinated, and slammed the rumours of them cheating to favour some players.
“All players, patrons and staff at the Australian Open have to be vaccinated,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.
“Any suggestion that Tennis Australia is seeking ‘loopholes’ within this process is simply untrue.”
This came on the heels of a report that the federation was trying to let the unvaccinated Djokovic play. However, they insisted that only vaccinated players will play.
“Everyone’s looking forward to the Australian Open and everyone who will attend – spectators, players, officials, staff – everyone is expected to be fully vaccinated,” Deputy Premier James Merlino told reporters.
“They’re the rules. Medical exemptions are just that – it’s not a loophole for privileged tennis players.”
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