MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Serena Williams of the United States serves in her semifinal match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni of Croatia on day 11 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Up until a few weeks ago, Serena Williams was believed to be a favorite to defend her title at this year’s Australian Open, but the superstar has now said she won’t be competing in Melbourne.
The 36-year-old, 23-time grand-slam winner — who gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Olympia, in September — contacted Tennis Australia this week to notify organizers she would miss the tournament, which begins Jan. 15.
Williams played an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
“The true champion Serena is has been demonstrated in the herculean efforts she has made over the past few months in her desire to play the Australian Open,” he said.
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“Serena transcends the sport in the way she approaches all aspects of her life and consistently gives her all in everything she does. “
Williams is currently ranked No. 22 in the world. Her announcement of pulling out of Melbourne follows that of former World No. 1 Andy Murray, who revealed on Thursday he would be forgoing the opportunity to play in the tournament due to an ongoing hip injury.
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