Earlier in the week’s Kerber’s countryman, Alexander Zverev, withdrew from the Grand Slam after not sufficiently recovering from an ankle injury.

The three-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the hardcourt event after finding out that she is pregnant.

The former world number one confirmed on her social media platforms that she will take a hiatus from the sport.

“I really wanted to play the US Open but eventually I decided that two against one just isn't a fair competition,” Kerber said on Twitter.

“For the next months, I will take a break from travelling the globe as a tennis player but then again, I believe it's for the best possible reason!

“New York has often been a turning point in my career and it feels like this year will be no different in some way!

“From restarting my career in 2011 (ranked 92 she reached the semi-finals) to winning the title in 2016 and becoming #1 in the world."

“Being a professional athlete means everything to me but I'm grateful for the new path I'm heading to.

“To be honest, I'm nervous and excited at the same time.”

The 2022 US Open at Flushing Meadows starts on Monday.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport