Serena Williams Out of US Open

Serena Williams, 13-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 1, as well as the heavy favorite for the US Open, has withdrawn from the tournament. Williams won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, and was aiming to win a second straight major.  

Serena Williams injured her foot shortly after winning her fourth Wimbledon crown and after playing an exhibition match against her Belgian rival Kim Clijsters. Williams claimed she injured her foot from broken glass at a restaurant.

This statement caused many fans to be suspicious. Wasn't she wearing shoes? Apparently not covered shoes, but probably high heels or sandals. Then Serena was spotted sporting crutches, even leaving some fans to wonder if this was all an act. After she pulled out of the events leading up to the Open, some people speculated that she would play at Flushing Meadows and "this has happened before."  

Apparently, not so.

This marks the first time since 2006 Wimbledon that three-time US Open champion Serena Williams will miss a Grand Slam. Serena said that she was "advised against playing so that my foot can heel."

She went on to further to describe her absence as "one of the most devastating moment's of my career."  

And who could blame her? Serena is the No. 1 and might have won Slam No. 14.

Now this leaves a chance for Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Samantha Stosur, Li Na, Vera Zvonereva, Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, or Maria Sharapova.  

Of course, there can be a surprise winner, but I highly doubt it. Right now, I don't think Jankovic will be able to play well because of her injury. Caroline Wozniacki is not consistent right now, and hasn't been consistent at the Slams yet. Stosur is slightly injured, but we will see how she plays in the tune-up tournaments. Vera Zvonereva is still dwelling on her loss at Wimbledon, not winning many matches.  

This leaves Li Na, Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Maria Sharapova as the favorites. However, I don't think Li Na will play well at this year's Open even though she had good results at the AO and Wimbledon tournaments.

Venus Williams might get nervous in the quarterfinals, as she has not been to the semifinal of any tournament other than Wimbledon since 2007. Also, she is injured, and who knows how she will do?

Azarenka has played well this summer, leaving her as a contender. Kim Clijsters, although she won her last tournament, doesn't seem consistent enough to repeat in New York.

Maria Sharapova has sustained a foot injury, leaving people to wonder how she will play at the year's last Grand Slam.

Based on my analysis, I believe this year's US Open (women's singles) will be very highly competitive, yet wide open. Don't be surprised if you see Victoria Azarenka win her first crown, or Maria Sharapova add the winner's check to her already huge bank account.

With Serena Williams out, as it always is when she is absent, things will be interesting, and I can't wait until the players get to New York to fight!