In a move that has sent shockwaves through Flushing Meadows, the legendary Williams sisters have made a dramatic exit from the US Open women's doubles competition before even stepping onto the court.
The iconic pairing, awarded a wildcard entry, were slated to face the Czech duo of Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova in the opening round. However, tournament officials confirmed a last-minute withdrawal, gifting their opponents a walkover into the second round.
This abrupt departure marks a significant moment for the sisters, for whom the US Open holds a special place in their storied careers. It was here, in 1999, that Serena claimed her first major singles title, a victory that heralded the arrival of a new force in tennis.
The reason behind the sudden withdrawal remains shrouded in mystery, with no immediate official statement from the Williams' camp. Speculation is now rife about whether this decision is linked to Serena's recent comments regarding her evolving priorities away from the court.
The beneficiaries of this unexpected turn, Hradecka and Noskova, will now advance automatically. Their path forward, however, remains a formidable one, with a potential clash against the fourth-seeded team of Caty McNally and Taylor Townsend looming.
This development overshadows other early results, including the first-round victory by Leylah Fernandez and her partner Daria Saville, who fought hard to secure their place in the next round of the competition.
