Venus Williams joined sister Serena in withdrawing from the US Open as the final Grand Slam of the year lost more high-profile players.
Serena, 39, wrote in a social media post on Tuesday that she needed time to allow her body to “heal completely” from a torn hamstring.
The 41-year-old Venus then withdrew hours later with a leg injury.
And women’s fifth seed Sofia Kenin has tweeted her withdrawal after testing positive for Covid-19.
The tournament, which begins on 30 August, will also be missing defending men’s champion Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
It will be the first time since 2003 that neither Williams sister has appeared at Flushing Meadows.
Serena, who has won her national title six times, wrote on Instagram: “After careful consideration and following the advice of my doctors and medical team, I have decided to withdraw from the US Open to allow my body to heal completely from a torn hamstring.
“New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favourite places to play – I’ll miss seeing the fans but will be cheering on from afar.
“Thank you for your continued love and support. I’ll see you soon.”
She suffered the injury to her hamstring during her first-round exit at Wimbledon in June, when the seven-time champion was forced to retire against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
Venus, a two-time US Open champion and seven-time Grand Slam winner, said the leg injury had been affecting her throughout the summer.
She lost her opening match at the Chicago Women’s Open on Monday and has not gone beyond the second round of a Slam this year.
“This time I just couldn’t make any miracles work,” Venus said in a post on Twitter.
“I tried my best here in Chicago but I just was unable to figure out the equation.”
Source: BBC
