Two-time US Open champion and former world No 1 Venus made the announcement in a video posted on social media

“Not the best news from Serena and I today. I am joining @serenawilliams @RafaelNadal and @rogerfederer on the injured list, she said.

“I, too, am unable to play the US Open. It’s super, super, super disappointing, having some issues with my leg all this summer and just couldn’t work through it.”

The 41-year-old, who has seven Grand Slam titles to her name, added that she would miss competing at her “favourite slam” and wished all the other players good luck.

Earlier on Wednesday, younger sister Serena withdrew with a torn hamstring, making it the first time since 2003 that neither has appeared at the tournament in Flushing Meadows.

The siblings add their names to a long list of players who will miss the tournament due to injury including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Simona Halep.

The American won the first set 6-1 but her Belarusian opponent won the last two sets 6-3 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to set up US Open final showdown with Naomi Osaka.

Williams, who has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles since winning the 2017 Australian Open, was hindered by a jarred ankle in the final set.

Azarenka will play Japan’s Naomi Osaka on Saturday in her third final at Flushing Meadows.