This hand out photo released by the Tennis Australia on Feb 18, 2021 shows Serena Williams of the US gets emotional at a press conference after losing her women's semi-final match against Japan's Naomi Osaka on day eleven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. (ROB PREZIOSO / TENNIS AUSTRALIA / AFP)

Serena Williams said on Sunday she will not compete at this week’s Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery.

The 39-year-old Florida resident has won the Miami Open a record eight times and joins several other big names in missing the event including Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

The 39-year-old Florida resident has won the Miami Open a record eight times and joins several other big names in missing the event including Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer

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“Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home and I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon.”

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