Serena Williams has stepped out of the Miami Open field.

The eight-time tournament champion has withdrawn as she continues recovery from recent oral surgery.

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"I am disappointed to withdraw from the Miami Open because of recent oral surgery," Williams said in a statement. "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."

In her last Miami appearance in 2019, Serena, who is a minority owner of the Miami Dolphins, won her opening-round match vs. Rebecca Peterson before pulling out with a knee issue before her second match.

The former world No. 1 joins top-ranked Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and wild card Kim Clijsters as one of five Grand Slam champions to withdraw from the Miami Open, which begins with qualifying play tomorrow.

The 39-year-old Serena has not played since bowing to Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open semifinals last month.

Ashleigh Barty, the 2019 Miami champion, is seeded first with Osaka seeded second, Wimbledon champion Simona Halep seeded third and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin is the fourth seed.

Photo credit: Lindsey Godwin/Miami Open