NEW YORK –
Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber withdrew from the US Open on Wednesday because she is pregnant and announced the news via social media, joking that “two against one just isn’t fair competition,” and one Posted a bunch of emojis, including a baby bottle.
The 34-year-old German won the title at Flushing Meadows in 2016, climbing to No. 1 in the WTA rankings. She also won the Australian Open that year and added a Wimbledon championship in 2018.
She has not competed on tour since a third-round loss at Wimbledon on July 1. She is currently ranked 52nd.
“For the next few months I will be taking a break from traveling the world as a tennis player, but on the other hand I believe it is the best possible reason,” Kerber wrote on Wednesday. “I will miss you all.”
She also said: “Being a professional athlete means everything to me, but I’m grateful for the new path I’ve taken. To be honest, I’m nervous and excited at the same time.”
The main draw of the US Open will be played on Monday.