Two-time defending champion John Isner pulls out of Winston-Salem Open, Berdych too

World number 14 John Isner has pulled out of the Winston-Salem Open. The American is a two-time defending champion at this event. Following his lead is world number five Tomas Berdych who was supposed to be the top seed of the event.

Both players have contested the title in the final last year with Isner prevailing. Isner said that he had to pull out due to a hip injury while Berdych had right shoulder pain. Both players have made it deep into the Cincinnati Masters 2013 tournament last week with Isner reaching the final (lost to Rafael Nadal) and Berdych reacing the semifinals and securing a career high-ranking of number five in the process.

The two players admitted that they want to be healthy in time for the US Open 2013 Championships which begin on August 26.