Miami Open: Serena Williams pulls out following oral surgery; Novak Djokovic and others not participating

Serena Williams is set to miss out on this week’s Miami Open and won’t be participating after having oral surgery.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and record winner of the event, winning it eight times joins other big names including Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, and Dominic Thiem in missing the event which gets underway on Monday.

Williams said in a statement: “Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home.

“I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon.”

Williams lost to eventual champion Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals of the Australian Open last month.

Also, world No 1 Novak Djokovic has decided to delay his comeback to the ATP Tour following a muscle injury and won’t feature in Miami Open as he hopes to spend more time with his family.

Djokovic sustained a muscle tear that hindered him during his successful Australian Open title defence last month and the 33-year-old planned to return at Miami before playing the Monte-Carlo Masters and the ATP 250 Serbia Open.

Djokovic tweeted: “Dear fans, I’m very sorry to announce that this year I won’t travel to Miami to compete,”

“I decided to use this precious time at home to stay with my family. With all restrictions, I need to find balance in my time on tour and at home. I look forward to coming back next year.”

Another top seed Rafa Nadal also decided to skip the Masters 1000 event, which began on Monday, to recover from a back injury, while Roger Federer will not be present as he works his way back to full fitness after two knee operations in the past 12 months.

Andy Murray has been given a wild card for the event.