Serena Williams To Skip Madrid Open 2021 After Controversial Comments From Tournament Owner

Former World No. 1 Serena Williams is one of the true representatives of tennis. She has won twenty-three Grand Slam titles, which highlight the contribution made by her to the game. Having begun her career as a teenager and going strong even after entering motherhood, the American player has come a long way. 

Recently, Serena Williams provided an update on her schedule for the current season. Unfortunately, she has decided to skip the WTA Madrid Open 2021. She happens to be the only player from the top 40 rankings to give the event a miss. However, her decision may not have been entirely due to an injury. 

Fans will be disappointed as Serena Williams will skip Madrid

The Madrid tournament owner made a few remarks regarding Williams’ body weight. He even felt that the American superstar was overaged and should make way for others.

Also Read: “She Would Retire”: Former Player Criticizes Serena Williams

This will be disheartening for her fans in Madrid, as they won’t get a glimpse of the legend. Serena has won the Madrid Open twice. She won it in 2012 when she beat Victoria Azarenka in the final, and in the following year, she beat Maria Sharapova.  

However, she is poised to make her return at the WTA Rome Open 2021. This will be her first tournament since her semifinal at the Australian Open 2021. At the Australian Open this year, Serena enjoyed a few thrilling victories before falling victim to eventual champion Naomi Osaka. 

Serena withdrew from WTA Melbourne Open earlier this year

Serena had competed at the WTA Melbourne Open 2021. However, she withdrew before her semifinal match against World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty due to a shoulder injury. 

In the recent past, Williams has been bogged down with a couple of injuries. Last season, she withdrew from the French Open before her second-round match. She had suffered from an Achilles injury, and due to that, she called a premature end to her season. 

Serena is one title away from equalling the great Margaret Court’s record of twenty-four Majors. Serena won her last Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open. 

As there is still a lot of tennis to be played this year, Serena will be eager to win her much-awaited twenty-fourth Grand Slam title.