Serena Williams has withdrawn from next week’s Madrid Open.

The 23-time grand slam champion suffered early exits at Indian Wells and Miami in her only two competitive outings this year following a 14-month lay-off to give birth to daughter Alexis Olympia.

Williams has not been seen on the WTA Tour since losing to Naomi Osaka in the first round in Miami and has decided she needs more preparation time to compete on clay.

Organiser Manolo Santana said on the tournament’s official website: “We regret the absence of Serena.

“She is one of the great champions of our sport, she has always offered a show to the tournament and we hope to see her again at the Caja Magica in the future.”