Former winner Bianca Andreescu will miss the US Open for the second time in four years after withdrawing injured on Saturday.
The Canadian who lifted the title in a 2019 surprise as a teenager blamed a stress fracture in her back for the pullout less than 48 hours before the start of play on Monday.
The No. 52 whose subsequent form has never matched her career-high performance, has played only two matches – losing both – since going out in the Wimbledon third round in July.
Andreescu has been struggling with her back since losing her first match of the hardcourt summer last month in Washington and going out in the first round at home in Montreal.
The 23-year-old will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser from qualifying rounds.
Main photo:- Bianca Adreescu with 2019 Ladies Singles trophy at Empire State Building by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd