(CNN) -- Top-ranked tennis superstar Serena Williams said a foot injury that forced her to pull out of the U.S. Open is "devastating".
"Playing in front of the electric crowd of New York at the U.S. Open and competing against the best female athletes in the world is always a highlight, and I look forward to getting back on the court as quickly as possible," Williams said in a statement Friday.
Williams' doctors advised her against playing at the tournament, which begins August 30. She has been recovering from recent surgery on her cut right foot.
"I take great pride in playing the Grand Slam tournaments and have not missed one since 2006; not being able to be part of this year's U.S. Open is one of the most devastating moments of my career," Williams said.
Williams, 28, has won at least one singles title in all four Grand Slam tournaments -- 13 in all -- including three U.S. Opens. She won this year's Australian Open and Wimbledon singles titles. CNN
