The Williams sisters and their American compatriot Sofia Kenin withdrew from the upcoming WTA 1000 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati due to various injuries.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play in the Western & Southern Open next week as I’m still recovering from the injury I got at Wimbledon. I’ll miss the Cincinnati fans I’m looking forward to seeing. every summer. I hope to get back on the court as soon as possible”, said the two-time champion Serena Williams.
The American, who withdrew from the first match in Wimbledon due to the injury, will focus on her recovery before the US Open. However, the organizers of the Western & Southern Open did not explain the reasons why her sister Venus Williams did not play.
Sofia Kenin also announced that she had made the “difficult decision” not to play in the Cincinnati Open tournament due to injury.
“I’m still recovering and my goal is to play in the US Open this month. I think I need another week off. Thanks to the American Tennis Association for holding the tournament in Cincinnati at such a delicate time and I wish success to all”, said Sofia Kenin.
In the absence of the Williams sisters and Sofia Kenin, the favorites of the Cincinnati tournament are Ashley Barty, Naomi Osaka, and Barbora Krejcikova.
