Serena Williams announced on Friday that she has pulled out of this year's US Open because recovering from surgery on her right foot.

Williams, who won her 13th grand slam at Wimbledon earlier this year, cut her foot on broken glass at a restaurant in July, which required surgery, and has not played since.

"It is with much frustration and deep sadness that I am having to pull out of the US Open. Due to the surgery I had on my foot earlier this month, my doctors have advised against my playing so that my foot can heal.

I take great pride in playing the Grand Slam tournaments and have not missed one since 2006; not being able to be part of this year's US Open is one of the most devastating moments of my career. Playing in front of the electric crowd of New York at the US Open and competing against the best female athletes in the world is always a highlight, and I look forward to getting back on the court as quickly as possible."

This will be the first time since the inception of computer rankings in 1975, that the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's No.1 player will miss the US Open.

US Open Tournament Director Jim Curley released the following statement regarding Williams' withdrawal:

"We regret that Serena Williams is unable to play the US Open and wish her a speedy recovery. She will be missed, but the tournament is about the competition and the players on the court. This year's US Open will be a memorable event, as it has been every year."


(source: Sony Ericsson WTA Tour)

Serena Williams Pulls Out of US Open