Sloane Stephens stepped out of Sydney and the Australian Open due to a foot injury.
The 2013 Australian Open semifinalist, who also missed the 2016 US Open, withdrew today with a "continuing left foot injury", her team announced.
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The 23-year-old Stephens opened 2016 winning Auckland—one of three titles she won last season—but injury-induced inactivity has seen her ranking drop to No. 52.
South African Kevin Anderson has also withdrawn from the season's first Grand Slam due to injury.
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