Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the US Open, citing injuries for her decision to hand Jessika Ponchet a walkover just hours before they were due on court.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 second round match in New York. 

Another injury has seen Rybakina withdraw from the US Open. Official confirmation came just hours before she was due on court alongside Pochet. 

She said: “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. Thank you to all the fans who have and continue to support me, and I wish the remaining players good luck.”

The US Open has been full of surprises this year, with new stars rising, shocking upsets, and heartbreaking injuries. Just when fans and experts thought they’d seen it all, Elena Rybakina dropped a bombshell that no one saw coming. In a tournament already packed with drama, Rybakina’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, proving once again that the US Open never fails to deliver the unexpected.

The Kazhak tennis player has decided to withdraw from the US Open right before her second-round match. The information about her withdrawal was shared by tennis commentator and journalist Jose Morgado, who took to his X and wrote, “Oh my god. Elena Rybakina withdraws from the #USOpen before her 2nd round match.” Remember, the 25-year-old was scheduled to face Jessika Ponchet on Thursday. Rybakina opened up about her decision and cited injuries as a reason for her withdrawal. 

In a statement, Rybakina said, “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries.” Continuing further, she reflected upon the agony she is going through after the decision. “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. Thank you to all the fans who have and continue to support me, and I wish the remaining players good luck”

Rybakina has made an excellent start to 2024. She won two titles and reached five finals by the end of April, including at the Miami Open. That meant that hopes were high for her as she headed into the second half of the season. Unfortunately, the 2022 Wimbledon champion has endured a difficult few months. That has continued after she withdrew from the US Open hours before her scheduled second-round match against Jessika Ponchet.

After reaching the semifinal, Rybakina was an overwhelming favorite to win Wimbledon. She played excellent tennis in her opening five matches at SW19. However, she suffered a surprising defeat to the eventual champion, Barbora Krejcikova, and she has had issues since then. The Kazakhstani had to withdraw from the Olympics because she got bronchitis. Competing at the Games at Roland-Garros was a primary goal for her before 2024 began, and she apologized to the Kazakh fans for being unable to play.

She made her return at the Cincinnati Open but lost to Leylah Fernandez after holding match points. The world No. 4 did not look like herself throughout that contest, and some questioned whether she would be able to compete at the US Open. Then, just days before the year’s final Grand Slam began, Rybakina split with her longtime coach Stefano Vukov. Tennis fans were stunned by that sudden precision, and Rybakina did not explain the reasons for the split.

The former Wimbledon champion won her opening match at the US Open against Destanee Aiava 6-1 7-6. Although she was not her vintage best, Rybakina seemed healthy during the match. That is why her sudden decision to withdraw from the US Open is surprising. No official reason has been given yet for her decision. Hopefully, it is nothing serious, and she will get healthy again for the rest of the season.

Rybakina’s Withdrawal: Injury, or Something More?

Rybakina's withdrawal has left many fans and experts wondering what's going on. While she has cited injuries as the reason, some are speculating that there might be deeper issues at play. The timing of her withdrawal, just before her second-round match, has fueled speculation about a potential strategic move. Some believe she may be prioritizing her health and future prospects, particularly after a difficult season, rather than risking further injury in a tournament she has never performed well in.

The US Open: A Tournament of Unexpected Drama

The US Open has always been a tournament full of surprises, and this year is no different. From unexpected upsets to dramatic comebacks, the tournament has already delivered its fair share of excitement. Rybakina’s withdrawal, however, is a particularly significant event, adding another layer of intrigue to the already unpredictable tournament. As fans eagerly await the upcoming rounds, one thing is certain: the US Open continues to be a tournament where anything can happen.

The Future of Rybakina: A Question Mark

The withdrawal from the US Open, following a series of recent setbacks, raises questions about Rybakina’s future. While fans hope it's just a temporary blip, her struggle with injuries and other challenges has cast a shadow on her immediate prospects. The remaining months of the season will be crucial for her as she aims to regain her form and build momentum for the next year.

What’s Next for Rybakina?

The tennis world waits with bated breath to see what the future holds for Elena Rybakina. Will she be able to overcome her current challenges and return to her winning ways? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the tennis world will be watching with keen interest.