Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams withdrew from the US Open on Wednesday with a leg injury only hours after her sister Serena pulled out of the Grand Slam event.
Venus Williams, 41, posted a video and message on social media saying she was disappointed to miss the New York hardcourt tournament for the first time since 2006.
“Not the best news from Serena and I today,” Venus said. “I too am unable to play the US Open. It’s super, super, super disappointing.
“Having some issues with my leg all this summer and I just couldn’t work through it. Tried my best here in Chicago but i just was unable to figure out the equation. This time I just couldn’t make any miracles work.”
Venus, who won the 2000 and 2001 US Open titles as well as five Wimbledon crowns, had no timetable for when she might return, saying only, “I can’t wait to get back on the court.”
Later fifth-ranked Sofia Kenin also pulled out because she recently tested positive for Covid-19, even though she said she has received a vaccine.
Kenin announced on social media what she called “disappointing news.”
“Fortunately I am vaccinated and thus my symptoms have been fairly mild,” Kenin wrote. “However I have continued to test positive and thus will not be able to compete at the US Open next week.”