Venus Williams out of 2021 US Open, follows Serena announcement

Venus Williams joined sister Serena in announcing her withdrawal from the 2021 US Open, sharing a video on social media with fans on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s super disappointing, having some issues with my leg all this summer and just couldn’t work through it,” she said.

The former world No. 1 was in action earlier this week at the inaugural WTA 250 event in Chicago, but bowed out in the first round to Hsieh Su-Wei.

“There’s been so many times I’ve been able to figure it out, but this time I wasn’t able to make any miracles work.”

Williams reached the US Open final in her 1997 debut and went on to win back-to-back singles titles in 2000 and 2001. She also teamed up with Serena to win the women’s doubles title ten years apart, in 1999 and 2009.

WATCH: Williams was last in action in Chicago earlier this week, falling to Hsieh Su-Wei.

The 41-year-old American was aiming to make her 23rd appearance in Flushing Meadows, having last missed the US Open in 2006, and admits she isn’t sure when she will be back on court.

“I’m not used to having free time at all, and I know I said I was undateable at Wimbledon but now that I have free time, I’m now accepting applications!”

Williams initially received a wildcard into the main draw before subsequent withdrawals allowed her in on her own ranking.