World No.1 Serena Williams announced Thursday her withdrawal from next week’s China Open in Beijing and the WTA Finals in Singapore, ending her season.
“I am taking a proactive step and withdrawing from tournaments in Beijing and Singapore to properly address my health and take the time to heal,” the 21-time grand slam winner said in a statement.
The China Open first tweeted the announcement, but the WTA has not confirmed Williams’ withdrawal.
Williams has not played since she lost in the semi-finals of the US Open to Italy’s Roberta Vinci, one of the most shocking upsets in tennis history.
“It’s no secret I’ve played injured most of the year – whether it was my elbow, my knee, or, in the finals moments after a certain match in Flushing, my heart,” Williams said.
William’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou told ESPN earlier this week that she was intensely disappointed after missing out on a fifth consecutive grand slam crown and hinted that she may withdraw from the remaining tournaments of the season.