Clijsters to miss Cincinnati

Kim Clijsters is looking doubtful for the US Open after pulling out of the Cincinnati Masters tournament.

Belgian's US Open defence in doubt

Two-time defending US Open champion Kim Clijsters is looking doubtful in New York after pulling out of the Cincinnati Masters tournament. The 28-year-old Belgian, who was forced to retire fron her opening match in Toronto earlier this week with an abdominal strain, also missed Wimbledon because of a right ankle injury. She was the defending champion in Cincinnati, her last scheduled tournament before the season's final Grand Slam starts on 29 August at Flushing Meadow. The Australian Open champion has been plagued by injuries in 2011 and almost missed the French Open after damaging her ankle while dancing at a family wedding in April. Clijsters lost in the second round to Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus at Roland Garros and had not played since the Unicef Open in Holland in June until winning a set before retiring in the Toronto Cup first round.