For the first time in the Grand Slam tennis tournament’s history, the US Open will be without the top female player in the world this year.
No. 1-ranked Serena Williams, 28, has announced her withdrawal from the tournament, saying that she is still recovering from surgery to repair cuts on her right foot.
“It is with much frustration and deep sadness that I am having to pull out of the US Open,” the tournament’s three-time champion said in a statement.
Williams was reportedly hurt by a broken glass at a restaurant while she was in Munich last month – shortly after winning her fourth Wimbledon singles title – and had surgery on July 15.
The tennis superstar’s withdrawal also means she won’t be teaming with older sister Venus to defend the doubles title they won at the US Open last year. Venus, who hasn’t competed on tour since Wimbledon because of a bothersome left knee, is expected to play singles at the tournament, which kicks off on August 30 in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Williams – who has won 13 Grand Slam singles titles – said doctors advised her not to play so her foot can heal. Missing the tournament, she said, is “one of the most devastating moments of my career.”
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