NEW HAVEN, August 24 — New world number two Simona Halep has withdrawn from this week's Connecticut Open with a leg injury, with the US Open just eight days away.

Halep's announcement came as she lost in yesterday's final in Cincinnati to Serena Williams 6-3, 7-6 (7/5). She also reached the final in Toronto, retiring in the third set with heat illness.

“I am very sorry that I have to withdraw from New Haven,” the Romanian said. “I love the tournament and obviously have great memories there having won the title before.

“I have had a tough few weeks that have left me with pain in my left leg and unfortunately I can't force myself to play so close to the US Open.”

Halep was the third seed in Cincinnati but will now be ranked second in the world and carry the second seed behind Williams at the US Open. — AFP