Elena Rybakina Withdraws from US Open Due to Injury
Reigning Wimbledon champion and world No. 4 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2024 US Open due to an ongoing injury concern, the latest in a series of setbacks for the 25-year-old Kazakh star. The announcement was made just days before her scheduled first-round match, leaving fans and the tennis world disappointed as another top contender exits the final Grand Slam of the year.
Rybakina has been battling a lingering lower back injury that has troubled her throughout the season. She previously withdrew from several tournaments this year, hoping to recover in time for the US Open, but ultimately the injury proved too much. Her decision comes after medical evaluations advised that further strain could exacerbate the issue, putting her participation in the rest of the season in jeopardy.
In a brief statement, Rybakina expressed her disappointment at missing out on the event. “It’s never easy to withdraw from such a major tournament, but my health must come first,” she said. “I’ve been working hard with my team to recover, but unfortunately, I’m not ready to compete at the highest level yet.”
Rybakina’s absence is a significant loss for the women’s draw. Her powerful serve and groundstrokes have made her a formidable opponent, and she was seen as a strong contender for the title after reaching the semifinals in 2023.
The US Open has already seen notable withdrawals, and Rybakina joins the list of top players missing this year’s tournament. Fans and experts alike hope she can make a full recovery in time for the 2025 season.
