Due to health issues, the 21-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams has pulled out of the China Open in Beijing and BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

“It's no secret I've played injured most of the year - whether it was my elbow, my knee, or, in the final moments after a certain match in Flushing, my heart,” Williams said, referring to her semifinal loss to Roberta Vinci at the US Open, where she was two wins away from the Calendar Year Grand Slam.

“Serena's health has to be her number one priority,” Micky Lawler, the President of the WTA, said in a statement on Thursday. “The risk of injury is a reality in the world of elite athletic performance. We will miss seeing Serena on court in both Beijing and Singapore and wish her a speedy recovery.”

By being proactive with her health issues, Serena hopes to playSerena’s 2015 Season Abruptly Ends the Australian Open in January and go for her 22nd Grand Slam title, which would tie Steffi Graf for most in the Open Era.

“This is a very difficult decision, but one ultimately made because of the love of the game,” Williams commented. “I plan to return to practicing and participating in exhibition matches later this year. And when I do, l will focus and focus and focus so I can continue my journey in this beautiful game.”

Read the full story on Williams calling an end to her season on the China Open's official website.