Angelique Kerber announces pregnancy behind US Open absence: "I decided that two against one just isn't a fair competition"

Angelique Kerber will become a mother for the first time, she announced on Wednesday morning with the three-time Grand Slam winner missing the US Open as a result.

Kerber, a former World No.1 won back in 2016 at Flushing Meadows but said in her post that she was only missing the tournament for 'the best possible reason'.

"I really wanted to play the US Open but eventually I decided that two against one just isn‘t a fair competition," she wrote.

"For the next months, I will take a break from travelling the globe as a tennis player but then again, I believe it’s for the best possible reason! I will miss all of you.

"New York has often been a turning point in my career and it feels like this year will be no different in some way! From restarting my career in 2011 to winning the title in 2016 and becoming #1 in the world… the US Open have (sp) a special place in my heart and I wish I could have said goodbye to all of you on court before not being around on tour for a while.

"Being a professional athlete means everything to me but I’m grateful for the new path I’m heading to. To be honest, I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Thanks for your continued support - it means everything to me."