The 22-year-old from suburban Toronto, who took silver in the 200 metres and bronze in the 100 at last year's Rio Olympics, was expected to challenge Usain Bolt for gold in London, where the meet begins tomorrow.
It was not revealed on which leg De Grasse suffered the torn hamstring, which happened in a Monday training run. A second opinion yesterday confirmed the diagnosis, leading to his decision to withdraw from the Worlds.
"The entire year this 100m race in London was my focus. I am really in the best shape of my life and was looking forward to competing against the best in the world," De Grasse said.
De Grasse took bronze at the 2015 IAAF Worlds in Beijing in the 100 and as part of the 4x100 relay, which also took Rio Olympic bronze.
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"I really feel for Andre," said Athletics Canada coach Glenroy Gilbert. "I know he really wanted to make a mark at the World Championships.
"Injuries are part of the sport, obviously. The timing is terrible.