The United States Tennis Association announced seven of the eight awarded wild cards for the women's singles draw at the upcoming US Open on Tuesday. While former champions Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens were among them, it was the absence of Serena Williams -- and a "To be announced" written in the final spot -- that is perhaps the most revelatory.
Serena, 44, made her return to competitive tennis earlier this summer after a nearly four-year absence. While first playing only doubles, she ultimately accepted a wild card to play singles at Wimbledon. In what appears to be a similar scenario, Wimbledon waited to announce its final women's wild-card recipient in order for Serena to make a decision as to whether she felt ready to play.
The 23-time major champion ultimately lost in her first round match against Maya Joint, 6-3, 7-6 (6), 3-6 and suffered a knee injury. She was then forced to withdraw from the doubles draw. She had been scheduled to play alongside Venus.