Venus Williams has joined sister Serena in one of the main high profile casualties in the Women's draw at the 2021 US Open.
Williams lost out with ease to Su-wei Hsieh at the Chicago Women's Open in her first action since reaching the second round at Wimbledon and revealed in a video statement that she has been battling with a leg injury for a while and that a miracle just couldn't happen this time.
It is the first time since 2006 that Venus is absent from the tournament and only the third time in her career that it is the case after 2003 was also a year without the legendary American and two time champion.
"Not the best news from Serena and I today, I too am unable to play the US Open, it's super disappointing. Having some issues with my leg all this summer and just couldn't work through it.
"Tried my best here in Chicago but I just was unable to figure out the equation and there's been so many times I've been able to figure it out. This time I just couldn't make any miracles work. I'm going to miss the Open, it's my favourite slam."
"I can't wait to get back out on the court whenever that is. I'll work with my team to make it as soon as I can."
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Not the best news everyone. I am joining @serenawilliams@RafaelNadal and @rogerfederer on the injured list. It’s still going to be a great US Open & many thanks to the @usta for the wild card. I was so looking forward to it, but it was not meant to be this year. I will be back!