( CNN ) -- Former world number one Justine Henin has ruled herself out of the U.S. Open after sustaining an elbow injury in her Wimbledon exit to Belgian rival Kim Clijsters . It is a shattering blow for Henin , who will also miss her 'Best of Belgium ' clash with Clijsters in Brussels on July 8 . Henin , who made her comeback to competitive tennis at the start of the year after 18 months in retirement , picked up the injury during her fourth round defeat to Clijsters . Clijsters wins Battle of Belgians at Wimbledon . She suffered the injury when falling early in the first set , but bravely played on in a match that lasted three sets . Henin confirmed the news in a statement on her personal website . `` Following my fall at Wimbledon ... .I took several medical examinations which have revealed a ligament partial fracture at the right elbow , '' it read . `` There I regret to announce that I ca n't unfortunately play in Best of Belgium this July 8 . I 'll be nevertheless present for this wonderful Belgian event which is important for me . `` This injury will keep me away from the courts during a rough period of two months with the consequence the withdrawal of my U.S. round of tournaments , including the US Open . '' The 28-year-old added that she will undergo further medical examinations to decide on when she returns to the WTA Tour later this season . Aside from missing the final grand slam of the year , Henin 's exhibition head to head against Clijsters was set to attract a world record crowd of 40,000 for a tennis match . Organizers say they plan to find a replacement player for Henin , who has been beaten three times by Cljisters since her return to action . Clijsters was later beaten by Vera Zvonareva in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon , leaving both of the Belgian stars still searching for their first grand slam title at SW19 . The U.S. Open begins on August 30 in New York , where Clijsters will be defending the crown she won in sensational fashion in her comeback year in 2009 .
Justine pulled out of U.S. Open and ' Queen of Belgians ' with elbow injury . She picked up the injury during her semifinal loss to Kim Warwick . Henin hopes to return to the WTA Tour later in the year .