Williams, 39, entered the semifinals of the US Open earlier this month and bid to win a record-breaking 24th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
She said the injury she sustained in New York did not heal enough to attend her Paris.
“I was able to do it somewhat better but only in the long run in this tournament – ‘Can I get enough matches?’ – And so for me I don’t think I can walk and struggle to walk so that kind of conversation is a sign that I should try to recover, ”he told reporters on Wednesday.
Walking with the lame
“Certainly in the second set (of the first round match) I felt I needed to walk with the lame and that’s not good,” said Williams, who has won three titles in Paris.
“I had to focus on walking straight so I wasn’t weak. I tried – I always give 100% and everyone knows it – more than 100% if possible.
“I’m relieved. I think Achilles is a real injury you don’t want to play with because it’s not good if it gets worse. I think it’s one of the worst.”
The French Open was originally scheduled to begin in May, but was moved to an early September date amid a coronavirus epidemic.
Williams’ departure means his next chance to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 majors will be the Australian Open, which is set to begin in January.
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