Serena Williams withdraws from upcoming U.S. Open

Serena Williams, who suffered a mysterious cut on her right foot in early July, withdrew Friday from the U.S. Open, scene of her uncharacteristic outburst that ultimately led to her semifinal loss last year and brought a record $82,500 fine plus probation.

Williams' exit leaves the Open without its biggest name in the women's field. Three times the U.S. champion and winner of more major titles, 13, than any other woman currently on the pro tour, Williams won two of the first three Grand Slam events this year - the Australian Open and Wimbledon - stirring talk that she could be the best female tennis player in history.

But since the 2009 Open incident in which she profanely challenged a lineswoman's call, resulting in a penalty point on match point against eventual champion Kim Clijsters, Williams twice failed to materialize at scheduled events in New York.

She had committed to play in a March 1 "showdown" against Clijsters at Madison Square Garden but canceled, citing a leg injury, a week before that exhibition. She had signed to appear in a World Team Tennis event on Randalls Island in July but announced two days before the match that the cut foot would keep her away.

She is the first No. 1 woman to miss the U.S. Open since the rankings began in 1975, according to the U.S. Tennis Association.

After Williams, the two most prolific winners of Grand Slam tournaments among active pros are her sister Venus and Belgium's Justine Henin, who have seven major titles each. Henin earlier pulled out of the Open because of an elbow injury. Venus' status is unclear after she withdrew from this week's event in Montreal with a knee injury.

Women's tour officials announced last month that Serena Williams' foot injury, never fully explained or detailed, was suffered at a European restaurant days after the conclusion of Wimbledon. Except for an exhibition in Brussels against Clijsters shortly after suffering the cut, Williams has not played since her Wimbledon victory.

The U.S. Open draw will be held Thursday.