Six-time champion Serena Williams has become the latest high-profile player to pull out of next week's US Open.
The 39-year-old confirmed on social media that she needs more time to recover from a torn hamstring.
The American joins Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and defending men's champion Dominic Thiem in pulling out of the Grand Slam in New York, which gets underway on August 30th.
Williams wrote on Instagram: "After careful consideration and following the advice of my doctors and medical team, I have decided to withdraw from the US Open to allow my body to heal completely from a torn hamstring.
"New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favourite places to play - I'll miss seeing the fans but will be cheering on from afar.
"Thank you for your continued love and support. I'll see you soon."
Serena Williams will miss the 2021 US Open due to injury.
Get well soon, @serenawilliams! 💙 pic.twitter.com/ySXuuCRmPu— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2021
Williams will have to wait a little longer to go for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title and misses the chance to play at the tournament that gave her a first Grand Slam title in 1999.
Federer is ruled out as he is due to have more knee surgery, Nadal is recovering from an injury to his left foot, while Thiem is unable to defend his title at Flushing Meadows due to a wrist injury.
The 2021 US Open will be the first Grand Slam event without Serena Williams, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal in the main singles draw since the 1997 US Open.
End of an era.#USOpen— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 25, 2021
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