Serena Williams on Thursday added her name to the growing list of tennis stars to pull out of the Western and Southern Open.
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Serena Williams on Thursday added her name to the growing list of tennis stars to pull out of the Western and Southern Open. The reason for her sudden pull out is, of course, injury. Williams had suffered a leg injury during Wimbledon earlier this year. As it turns out, she is yet to heal properly from the injury. Thus she will be focusing first and foremost on the recovery process ahead of the US Open. Williams’ recent form during Grand Slams, however, means she would like to get in at least some match practice to up her fitness for her home Slam.
“Unfortunately, I will not be playing in the Western & Southern Open next week as I am still in recovery from my leg injury at Wimbledon,” she said in a statement.
“I will miss all of my fans im Cincinnati whom I look forward to seeing every summer. I plan to be back on the court very soon.”
Whether or not her time back at the court will be at the US Open is unclear.
Serena’s sister Venus has also pulled out for an a reason that is not yet known. 2019 semi-finalist Sofia Kenin also withdrew on Tuesday with a foot injury.
“Unfortunately I had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the Western & Southern Open next week,” Kenin said in a statement.
“I am rehabbing well in hopes to play the US Open later this month and I feel another week of recovery is necessary. I want to thank the USTA for all their efforts in holding the event during such challenging times. Best of luck to all the players.”
On the men’s side, Roger Federer has pulled out with a knee injury. World number one and two-time Cincinnati champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn in order to focus on preparing for the US Open.
The US Open, it must be noted, begins on August 30. But as things stand, the Grand Slam could see notable injury absentees.
The Slam is the final one of the year before the ATP Finals. The latter event is held at the end of the year.
