Post by Admin on Mar 22, 2021 20:20:05 GMT
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 announced earlier they would skip the tournament, which begins Tuesday.
Williams, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 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.
While Miami always draws a star-studded lineup, this year it might be just as notable who won't be there, particularly on the men's side. On Friday, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic became the latest player to announce he would be skipping the event, citing restrictions related to the virus and a desire to stay home with his family. He joined an already substantial absentee list that includes reigning champion Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka.
The first ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tournament of the season takes place this week as the Miami Open returns.
The tournament, which is usually preceded by Indian Wells, was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but will be played from March 24 with limited fans in attendance.
While several top players, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, won’t be travelling to Florida, there will still be plenty to look out for over the next fortnight.
OSAKA, BARTY, ANDREESCU RETURN
It’s been over a month since Naomi Osaka last played a competitive match.
The world No 2 has taken a break after securing her fourth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but is set to return to action riding a 21-match winning streak.
Williams pulled out Sunday, citing recent oral surgery. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer announced earlier they would skip the tournament, which begins Tuesday.
Williams, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 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.
While Miami always draws a star-studded lineup, this year it might be just as notable who won't be there, particularly on the men's side. On Friday, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic became the latest player to announce he would be skipping the event, citing restrictions related to the virus and a desire to stay home with his family. He joined an already substantial absentee list that includes reigning champion Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka.
The first ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tournament of the season takes place this week as the Miami Open returns.
The tournament, which is usually preceded by Indian Wells, was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but will be played from March 24 with limited fans in attendance.
While several top players, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, won’t be travelling to Florida, there will still be plenty to look out for over the next fortnight.
OSAKA, BARTY, ANDREESCU RETURN
It’s been over a month since Naomi Osaka last played a competitive match.
The world No 2 has taken a break after securing her fourth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but is set to return to action riding a 21-match winning streak.