The world No. 1, who won a WTA-leading five singles titles in 2021, told Tennis Australia, “The most important thing right now is that she is safe.”

With a varied game and a sporting style, the world No. 1 brought a Wimbledon singles title back to Australia for the first time in 19 years, in an entertaining and nerve-wracking championship clash.

The world No. 1, who last played at the US Open, shared the news on social media.

The 2019 Roland Garros and 2021 Wimbledon champion is the eighth woman to reach 100 career weeks at No. 1.

"It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritize my body and my recovery from our 2021 season," the world No. 1 said in a statement. Continuing COVID-19 travel and quarantine restrictions were also factors.

Life-size cutouts of notable names missing from this year's event are quite the photo op in Tennis Paradise at Indian Wells.

The world No. 10 withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open just days before her first-round match due to a knee injury.

"It's in Mexico at 1,500 metres and they're using pressureless balls," said Craig Tyzzer, coach to the world No. 1.

The American trailed the No. 1 by 2-5 in the third set—and took off from there.

The Australian hit 11 of them during her first-round win over Vera Zvonareva on Tuesday.