Serena Williams Just Withdrew From A Major Competition. Here's Why

Serena Williams has withdrawn from the 2021 Miami Open, according to the Miami Herald. The tournament, which is set to kick off on Monday, March 22, 2021, would have been Williams' first competition since she played in the Australia Open back in February 2021. Although Williams lost to Japan's Naomi Osaka in the semifinals according to ESPN, she's had quite a bit of success at the Miami Open over the past few years. According to Yahoo! Sports, Williams has previously won the Miami Open an impressive eight times.

Williams is the fourth big name tennis star to withdraw from the Miami tournament. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have also chosen not to participate for various reasons; Federer and Nadal are injured, while Djokovic will not play due to the COVID-19 restrictions, according to the Miami Herald. Keep reading to find out why Williams was forced to withdraw from the Miami Open. 

Serena Williams released a statement via the Miami Herald, in which she revealed that she had to withdraw from the Miami Open because she  underwent surgery. Although she did not elaborate on exactly what she had done, she did specify that it was "oral surgery" that would keep her from competing. 

"I am disappointed to withdraw from the Miami Open because of recent oral surgery. Miami is a special tournament for me because it's my home and I am sad I won't be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon," her statement read (via the Miami Herald).

As she continues her recovery, Williams will undoubtedly start thinking about her next tournament, which will take place in Rome, Italy in May 2021. According to Essentially Sports, Williams is slated to compete in the Italian Open in early May before heading to Paris, France for the French Open later that same month. Her fans hoping that she makes a speedy recovery, and are looking forward to seeing her on the court in the not-so-distant future.