Serena Williams withdraws from US Open, citing hamstring recovery

Serena Williams is withdrawing from the US Open, she announced Wednesday morning on social media.

Williams said she made the decision in order "to allow my body to heal completely from a torn hamstring.

"New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favorite places to play - I'll miss seeing the fans but will be cheering everyone on from afar."

Williams, 39, retired from her first-round match at Wimbledon in June after slipping on Centre Court.

It marked just the second time in Williams' career she has retired from a match at a major. The other occurrence was in the third round at the All England Club in 1998.