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Milos Raonic pulls out of US Open as men's main contenders continue to dwindle

Sports Staff
Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic is out of the US Open: Getty
Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic is out of the US Open: Getty

Milos Raonic has withdrawn from the US Open with a wrist injury to join a host of big names who will miss the final grand slam of the year.

The Canadian, who has undergone surgery on his left wrist, joins Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori in missing out on the tournament year which starts in New York on Monday.

The world number 11 has been struggling with the problem for a number of weeks and also pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month.

Unlike Djokovic, Wawrinka and Nishikori, the Canadian hopes to be back in action before the end of the year.

"As you know, I've been dealing with a painful condition in my left wrist, which has been bothering me for many weeks now and recently forced me to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters," Raonic posted on his Instagram page.

"I have tried everything in my power to rehabilitate this injury in time for the US Open in order to play an event that is so truly special to me. However, the pain is too great and, in consultation with my doctors, I am left with no option but to withdraw from the event.

"Today, I underwent a procedure to remove portions of the bone that have been causing the discomfort and preventing me from being able to play the way I normally can.

"I have too much respect for the US Open and my fellow competitors to take a spot in the draw when I know I cannot give full effort due to this injury.

"I am crushed to miss this event and a chance to play in front of the fantastic New York crowd, but I truly had no other options.

"I am already back in the gym starting my rehabilitation, and hope to be recovered and back on the court in a matter of a few weeks. I look forward to rejoining the tour healthier and stronger and finishing the 2017 year in proper form."

To all my friends and fans, I’m writing to provide you with an update on my injury. As you know, I’ve been dealing with a painful condition in my left wrist, which has been bothering me for many weeks now and recently forced me to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters. I have tried everything in my power to rehabilitate this injury in time for the US Open in order to play an event that is so truly special to me. However, the pain is too great and, in consultation with my doctors, I am left with no option but to withdraw from the event. Today, I underwent a procedure to remove portions of the bone that have been causing the discomfort and preventing me from being able to play the way I normally can. I have too much respect for the US Open and my fellow competitors to take a spot in the draw when I know I cannot give full effort due to this injury. I am crushed to miss this event and a chance to play in front of the fantastic New York crowd, but I truly had no other options. I am already back in the gym starting my rehabilitation, and hope to be recovered and back on the court in a matter of a few weeks. I look forward to rejoining the tour healthier and stronger and finishing the 2017 year in proper form. Thank you for all the support. I’ll keep you updated in the days to come, and look forward to seeing you all at a match soon. Yours, Milos Raonic #TeamMilos

A post shared by Milos Raonic (@mraonic) on Aug 23, 2017 at 7:17pm PDT

The men's tour is currently beset with injuries to high-profile players.

Andy Murray has not played since Wimbledon as he recovers from a hip injury, though appears in good condition to compete at Flushing Meadows while former US Open champion Marin Cilic is a doubt.

Roger Federer also pulled out of last week's Cincinnati Masters with a sore back, though that was merely precaution and he will be fit.

PA