By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday August 29, 2024

New York— Fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the US Open, sending French qualifier Jessica Ponchet into the third round.

“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries," Rybakina said in a statement. "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Rybakina has had a difficult 2024 season, and has withdrawn due to illness from several tournaments.


She recently withdrew from the Paris Olympics and Toronto due to bronchitis, as well as Rome, where she was a defending champion, due to illness. She withdrew from Indian Wells as well, foregoing her title defense there.

She also withdrew prior to the Dubai quarterfinal, also due to illness. When she has played, Rybakina has been solid. She has 41 wins on the season, and claimed titles in Stuttgart, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart.