The season’s final Grand Slam begins next week at the U.S. Open. Unsurprisingly, outstanding players are on the entry list for the men’s and women’s singles, including 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and 2022 US Open winner Iga Swiatek. However, five players, including one massive name in the sport, have already elected to withdraw from the U.S. Open. This article names those who have decided not to play and then gives their five replacements.
Rafael Nadal was the most notable player to withdraw from the U.S. Open. The four-time champion at Flushing Meadows announced on social media that he decided not to play because he would be unable to give 100% in New York. Nadal confirmed his next tournament would be at the Laver Cup next month. Some have wondered if The 22-time Grand Slam winner could retire there as Roger Federer did, but the Spaniard has repeatedly said no decision on his future has been made.
Marketa Vondrousova was the second player to withdraw from the U.S. Open. She also missed the Olympics with a hand injury. Unfortunately, the 2023 Wimbledon champion has not recovered in time for the year’s final Grand Slam. The Czech reached the quarterfinal in New York last year, making her absence even more disappointing.
Cameron Norrie was the third player to withdraw from the U.S. Open. The Briton is out with a forearm injury. His last appearance was against Nadal at the Nordea Open in Bastad. He lost that match 4-6 4-6 and has not been able to play since.
Sorana Cirstea also withdrew from the tournament. The Romanian had surgery on her left foot earlier this month. While the surgery was successful, she will still miss the remainder of the season. Cirstea plans to return in 2025, although she is unsure when that will happen.
Zhu Lin was the final player to withdraw from the U.S. Open. Her last appearance was at Wimbledon last month. It is currently unknown why she decided not to play in New York.
Replacements
Mackenzie McDonald entered the U.S. Open entry list after Nadal elected to withdraw. The American made headlines recently due to a weird scheduling issue. On Monday, McDonald had his Cincinnati Open doubles final scheduled on the same day as his opening singles contest at the Winston-Salem Open. Ultimately, McDonald could not get to Winston-Salem in time to play the match.
Petra Martic replaces Vondrousova at the U.S. Open. The experienced Croatian progressed to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows in 2019 and 2020 and will hope for another strong run this year.
Francisco Comesana benefits from Norrie’s decision to withdraw. The 23-year-old made his first Grand Slam main draw appearance at Wimbledon last month. He showed his ability by reaching the third round at SW19. The Argentine will be a dangerous draw for any player.
Renata Zarazua is also on the U.S. Open entry list. It will be the Mexican’s first main draw appearance at the event. Her only previous Grand Slam triumph outside qualifying matches was at the 2020 French Open. She has a chance to change that statistic next week.
Finally, Anna Bondar is also set to appear in New York. The Hungarian’s only previous singles appearance was in 2022, when she lost in the opening round. She is a talented player and will work hard to secure her first U.S. Open victory when the tournament starts.
This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.
