Serena Williams will not compete in the Australian Open 2018. (Reuters file) Serena Williams will not compete in the Australian Open 2018. She has played just once in public since, losing to French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in Abu Dhabi last week, but was still hopeful of making a remarkable return at the Australian Open until she admitted defeat a week ahead of the event. Williams, whose grand slam tally is just one shy of the all-time record held by Australian Margaret Court, said she was disappointed to withdraw but looked forward to returning in the future. “With that being said, and even though I am disappointed about it, I’ve decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year.”Tournament director Craig Tiley called Williams’ efforts to try and be ready for a title defence at the Australian Open “Herculean” and said she transcended the sport.

Source: Indian Express January 05, 2018 01:52 UTC