Serena Williams has pulled out of next week’s Madrid Open to spend more time preparing for her return to competition.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has played four singles matches in the last 16 months, having given birth to her first child in September.
Williams won two matches on her return to action in Indian Wells in March before losing to her sister Venus, and was then beaten by Naomi Osaka in Miami.
The 36-year-old is next scheduled to play at the Italian Open, which begins on May 14th, ahead of the French Open, which gets under way on May 27th.
“We regret the absence of Serena,” said Madrid Open organiser Manolo Santana.
“She is one of the great champions of our sport. She has always offered a show to the tournament and we hope to see her again at the Caja Magica in the future.”
Unfortunately, our two-time champion ???????? @serenawilliams withdrew from the #MMOPEN.
We wish you all the best! Hope to see you soon at the #CajaMágica! ????????
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— Mutua Madrid Open (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 3, 2018
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