Tennis this season has seen a number of changes as compared to the previous years. Players such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams were absent from many tournaments this season. As these athletes get older, it is natural for them to make wise decisions with regard to competing.
Not long ago, Serena Williams decided she would be skipping the US Open this season. Her decision puts her on the list of absentees joining the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Swiss ace and Spanish star revealed their decision sometime back.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams will be missed
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However, with the latest development, now the three biggest stars in the game will not be seen in a Grand Slam event for the first time in 24 years. The last time a Grand Slam event took place without any of these prominent names was in 1997 at the US Open. It will be a huge loss for the fans as they are allowed to fill in stadiums after the event was played behind closed doors last year.
Federer played the French Open and Wimbledon Championships this season. However, his results were below par and not up to his usual standards. Nadal suffered a disappointing to Novak Djokovic in the semifinal of the French Open. He later withdrew from the grass season and the Tokyo Olympics.
Williams started the season in Australia and reached the semifinal in Melbourne. She underperformed during the clay season and had to withdraw from her opening round match at the All England Club after twisting her ankle during the early stages.
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These three legends have contributed vastly to this beautiful sport. We hope to see them back on the courts and thrill us with the tennis they have displayed over the years.
Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel
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First grand slam without one of Federer, Nadal and Serena since the 1997 US Open.
— The Big 3 (@Big3Tennis) August 25, 2021