(Reuters) – Serena Williams will not compete at this week’s Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam singles champion recovers from oral surgery, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.
The 39-year-old Florida resident has won the Miami Open a record eight times and joins big names including Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer in missing the event.
“Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home,” she said in a statement, cited by the Associated Press.
“I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon.”
Williams fell to eventual champion Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals of the Australian Open last month.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Toby Davis)
