Bad news from Serena Williams that had to face reality to withdraw from the Australian Open.

Ranked no.22, the American sensation was determined to defend her title in Melbourne that was conquered while she was pregnant.

Serena tried to do everything in her power to get back to the Australian Open, but her preparation wasn’t good enough.

Serena had already some doubts about her comeback, and she was announced as keynote speaker in Florida in the in middle of the Australian Open (that means she had already some reservations).

Eventually, Serena tried her form playing an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi against Jelena Ostapenko. She lost that match 6-2 3-6 10-5, and besides the result, she wasn’t happy at all with her fitness.

The statement

Serena released the following statement

“After competing in Abu Dhabi, I realized that although I am super close, I’m not where I personally want to be.

My coach and team always said, ‘Only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’. I can compete, but I don’t want to just compete, I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time.

With that being said, and even though I am disappointed about it, I’ve decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year.

The memory of last year’s Open is one that I will carry with me, and (my daughter) Olympia and I look forward to coming back again.

I appreciate the support and understanding of my fans and everyone at the Australian Open.”

She will be back!