Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the US Open, citing injuries for her decision to hand Jessika Ponchet a walkover just hours before they were due on court. The world No. 4 had been due to close out the day’s action on Court 17 but French qualifier Ponchet will now enter the third round.
Rybakina has struggled with injuries and illness this year, also pulling out of Indian Wells and the Rome Masters. The 25-year-old also split from her coach and gave a terse interview after her first round match in New York.
She said in a statement: “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries… I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way, but I have to listen to my body, and I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong.”
No reason has yet been given for Rybakina’s withdrawal from the Seoul tournament. Zhang Shuai has been placed in the main draw of the competition
Tennis coach and former player Rennae Stubbs has speculated that there could be more to Rybakina’s withdrawals, believing the situation is “very unusual”.
Leave a Reply