Former world No. 4 Holger Rune delays his comeback, while doubts emerge for World No. 2 Elena Rybakina ahead of the Grand Slam.
The upcoming US Open faces a significant challenge with a total of 16 players withdrawing from the tournament, including several high-profile stars. Seven ATP players and nine WTA athletes have confirmed they will miss the season's final Grand Slam due to various injuries.
Among the most notable absences is men's world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who announced his decision to pull out on Friday. The reigning US Open champion cited a right knee injury sustained after Wimbledon, preventing his return to Flushing Meadows.
This wave of withdrawals impacts the tournament's landscape, particularly for the men's top seeding. However, there's a silver lining for organizers as two-time US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his highly anticipated return to defend his title, according to reporting by Tennis365.
Top Seeds Shift Following Jannik Sinner's US Open Withdrawal
The departure of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, sends ripples through the men's draw. His right knee injury, which developed post-Wimbledon, proved too significant for him to recover in time for the Grand Slam.
Sinner's absence means a reshuffling of the top seeds. World No. 2 Alexander Zverev will now step up as the top seed in New York. Carlos Alcaraz, despite his recent layoff, secures the second seed. Felix Auger-Aliassime moves into the third spot, with Novak Djokovic seeded fifth.
Another key men's withdrawal is Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who was projected to be the 26th seed. He is also sidelined with a back injury, further impacting the depth of the men's field.
Former World No. 4 Holger Rune Postpones Grand Slam Return
Former world No. 4 Holger Rune has also confirmed he will not participate in the US Open, extending his recovery period. Rune, currently ranked 80th, underwent Achilles surgery last October and has been working his way back.
Despite recent practice sessions with Carlos Alcaraz in Murcia, which sparked optimism for his comeback after a ten-month absence, Rune decided against a Grand Slam as his first tournament back. He shared on social media, "Really happy with my improvement and level. And we keep working."
Rune concluded his statement, "My team and I have decided not to have a Grand Slam as my first tournament coming back. @usopen see you next year." His cautious approach highlights the challenges athletes face in returning from significant injuries.
WTA Draw Affected by Withdrawals and Injury Doubts
On the women's side, nine players have pulled out, with world No. 17 Victoria Mboko being the highest-profile withdrawal so far. Mboko suffered a knee injury after slipping at the Queen's Club Championship in June and remains sidelined.
Mboko is currently the only seeded player confirmed to be missing from the women's draw. However, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over world No. 2 Elena Rybakina. She aggravated an ankle injury during the Cincinnati Open, forcing her to retire after just five games against Iga Swiatek in the quarter-final.
Rybakina expressed her concern, stating, "It’s painful to walk, and we will know more tomorrow when I do the MRI. It’s been bothering me for a long period of time. It was under control, but then after playing a lot of matches in Canada and coming here playing two matches in a row." Her status for the US Open remains precarious.
Complete List of US Open Withdrawals and Player Replacements
The comprehensive list of confirmed withdrawals for the 2024 US Open includes both ATP and WTA athletes, leading to several players gaining entry into the main draw.
ATP Withdrawals: Jannik Sinner (World No. 1, replaced by Carlos Taberner), Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (World No. 27, replaced by Alexei Popyrin), Ethan Quinn (World No. 58, replaced by Martin Damm), Sebastian Korda (World No. 64, replaced by Aleksandar Vukic), Holger Rune (World No. 80, replaced by Facundo Díaz Acosta), Gabriel Diallo (World No. 105, replaced by Wu Yibing), Emilio Nava (World No. 108, replaced by Benjamin Bonzi).
WTA Withdrawals: Victoria Mboko (World No. 17, replaced by Mananchaya Sawangkaew), Hailey Baptiste (World No. 32, replaced by Kaitlin Quevedo), Jaqueline Cristian (World No. 40, replaced by Darja Vidmanova), Emma Raducanu (World No. 59, replaced by Anna Blinkova), Ajla Tomljanovic (World No. 93, replaced by Ella Seidel), Laura Siegemund (World No. 98, replaced by Nadia Podoroska), Varvara Gracheva (World No. 106, replaced by Anastasia Zakharova), Jil Teichmann (World No. 167, replaced by Julia Grabher), Irina-Camelia Begu (World No. 462, replaced by Elsa Jacquemot).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jannik Sinner not playing the US Open?
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the US Open due to a right knee injury he sustained after Wimbledon. He confirmed his decision on Friday, unable to recover in time for the Grand Slam.
Which top female players are missing from the US Open?
The highest-profile female player confirmed to be missing is world No. 17 Victoria Mboko, sidelined with a knee injury. Additionally, there are significant doubts surrounding world No. 2 Elena Rybakina due to an aggravated ankle injury.
How does Sinner's withdrawal affect the men's US Open seeding?
With Jannik Sinner out, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev becomes the top seed for the US Open. Carlos Alcaraz is seeded second, Felix Auger-Aliassime third, and Novak Djokovic moves to fifth in the revised rankings.
Is Carlos Alcaraz playing in the US Open?
Yes, Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed he will return to defend his US Open title. He is making his comeback after a three-month layoff due to a wrist injury and will be seeded second in the men's draw.
Why did Holger Rune withdraw from the US Open?
Holger Rune, a former world No. 4, withdrew because he and his team decided against making a Grand Slam his first tournament back after Achilles surgery last October. He aims to return to competition later, stating he'll "see you next year" at the US Open.