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"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," two-time champion Serena said in a tournament press
release.
"I will miss all of my fans in Cincinnati whom I look forward to
seeing every summer. I plan to be back on the court very soon."
Williams, who was forced to retire during her first round match
at Wimbledon in June, will instead focus on being healthy as she
aims for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title in Flushing
Meadows later this month.
The tournament did not give a reason for why her sister and
seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus had withdrawn.
World number four Sofia Kenin also announced that she had made
the "difficult decision" not compete at the venerable Premier 5
event, which is also known as the Cincinnati Open.
"I am rehabbing well in hopes to play the U.S. Open later this
month," said the 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin.
"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."
While the tournament will miss those players, the field still
boasts world number one and reigning Wimbledon champion Ash
Barty, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka and reigning
French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Two-time and defending champion Victoria Azarenka and past
Cincinnati champions Madison Keys (2019), Garbine Mugurza (2017)
and Karolina Pliskova (2016) will also compete at the outdoor
hard court event.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Lincoln
Feast.)
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