The tennis player's decision comes after losing an exhibition match, which was her first match since giving birth, to French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko last week.
- Jan 5, 2018
AceShowbiz - Serena Williams will skip her Australian Open title defense after declaring that she is not ready for a comeback. Her decision came after losing an exhibition match to French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in Abu Dhabi last week.
Taking to Snapchat on Thursday, January 4, the tennis player said that "although I am super close, I'm not where I personally want to be" after her first match since giving birth. "My coach and team always said, 'Only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way,' " she continued. "With that being said I am disappointed to say I've decided not to compete in The Australian Open this year."
She added, "However, the memory of last year's Open is one that I will carry with me and Olympia and I look forward to coming back again. I appreciate the support and understanding of my fans and everyone at the Australian Open."
Via her Snapchat, @serenawilliams will not compete at the @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/FOWFS5w2fp
— MASHA 4 AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 (@Masha4Lyfe) 5 Januari 2018
Following the news, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley responded that he understood her decision and even expressed his admiration for her efforts in trying to return to the field four months after giving birth.
"I've been in constant contact with Serena and her team and know this is why she has pushed it and pushed it until the eleventh hour to make her final decision," he said. "We all wish her the very best and I look forward to seeing her back on court this year, and can't wait to welcome her back to the Australian Open in 2019."
Serena gave birth to her child, a girl named Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on September 1. The baby is her first child with husband Alexis Ohanian. Months after welcoming their daughter, the couple tied the knot on Thursday, November 16 at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans.
