Venus Williams’ preparation for the US Open has suffered a setback after she withdrew from the Western and Southern Open due to injury.
Williams, 38, has pulled out of the event due to a right knee injury. She was set to make her eighth appearance in the main draw of the tournament. Williams is yet to reach the final in Cincinnati with her best run being to the semi-final stage back in 2012. Since then, she hasn’t won back-to-back singles matches in the tournament. Falling in the second round last year to Ashleigh Barty.
“I’m really sorry that I have to withdraw from the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati,” Williams said in a statement. “It’s one of my favorite stops on the WTA Tour and the fans are always amazing there. I will miss not being able to play in front of my home supporters but look forward to hopefully returning in 2019.”
The former world No.1 recently reached the third round of this week’s Rogers Cup in Montreal before losing to Simona Halep. At the tournament she was seen wearing heavy strapping around her right knee. Shortly after her exit from the tournament, the American was quizzed about her knee in her press conference, but didn’t comment. One reporter asked ‘How are you feeling? Is it your knee?’ Only for Williams to diplomatically dodge the question.
“I think she played really well. Just give her credit for a great performance.” She replied.
Williams isn’t the only player forced to miss the upcoming tournament. Other absentees include Mihaela Buzarnescu following her nightmare ankle injury in Montreal, Dominika Cibulkova due to illness, Maria Sharapova has a right shoulder issue and and Zhang Shuai has a problem with her left knee.
Following her absence from Cincinnati, Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka will take Williams’ place in the draw. The Japanese player has been upgraded to the 17th seed in the draw and will play Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the first round.
Due to her silence on the injury, it is unclear as to how severe the knee problem is for Williams. Later this month she will be making her 20th appearance in the main draw of the US Open. She hasn’t missed the tournament since 2006.
