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Boris Becker has withdrawn from the US Open following the death from cancer of his adviser and close friend, Axel Meyer-Woelden, tournament officials announced yesterday.

The 29-year-old Becker, a former world No 1 and winner of the 1990 US Open, had been expected to make his final appearance in a Grand Slam at the event, which starts on Monday.

Albert Costa replaces Becker as the No 16 seed, becoming the fifth Spaniard to be seeded in the men's singles.