‘Painful’: Tennis fans Very Sad Over Serena and Venus Williams news

Tennis fans were left disappointed on Wednesday when Serena and Venus Williams joined a long list of top players in skipping the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

The US Open lead-up event is missing some serious star power, with the Williams sisters and former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin the latest to withdraw.

Serena announced that she’s still recovering from the leg injury that saw her retire hurt in the first round at Wimbledon.

“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,” the two-time champion 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.”

The 23-time grand slam champion said she will instead focus on being healthy as she aims for a record-tying 24th 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The tournament did not give a reason for why her sister and seven-time grand slam winner Venus had withdrawn.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 No.4 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 US Open later this month,” said the 2020 Australian Open champion.

“I feel another week of recovery is necessary.