The US Open has been hit by another high-profile withdrawal, as Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca has announced that he will not be competing in Flushing Meadows this year.
The world No. 26 has long been tipped as a future champion and proved he was dangerous at the Grand Slams when he came back from two sets down to shock Novak Djokovic in the third round of the French Open this year. But the 20-year-old has been struggling with an abdominal injury that forced him to pull out of the recent Cincinnati Open, and he has now confirmed that he will not be ready in time for the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.
Fonseca's announcement
“Hi everyone. I wanted to give you all an update. After undergoing tests and starting treatment for my abdomen, it became clear to me and my team that I need more time to fully recover so I can compete at a high level. Unfortunately, this means I won't be able to play in the US Open,” Fonseca wrote on social media.
“It was not an easy decision to make, as it is a very special tournament for me. We'll keep working hard so I can come back as soon as possible. I'm super grateful for all the messages of support and for the birthday wishes, thank you!”
Recent form and impact
The world No. 26 reached the round of 16 at the recent Canadian Open and then beat Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match in Cincinnati before the abdominal issue forced him to withdraw.
It’s another big blow for US Open organisers, as plenty of big names have already been forced to pull out. Former champions Jannik Sinner and Emma Raducanu won’t be in New York this year.
Other withdrawals
World No. 1 Sinner has been feeling knee discomfort in recent weeks and completed a course of shockwave therapy, but realised he still wasn’t ready to compete when he returned to the practice courts.
“Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year. We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue,” the 2024 champion wrote on Instagram last week.
Raducanu, meanwhile, has not played a match since finishing runner-up at Queen’s in June. She had to play three matches in two days due to rain delays and picked up a lower leg niggle, which later developed into a stress fracture, also forcing her out of Wimbledon. The British No. 1 has since ruled herself out of the US Open on the five-year anniversary of her historic title run.
And 15 other stars, including former world No. 4 Holger Rune and home favourites Hailey Baptiste and Sebastian Korda, have also withdrawn from the US Open. With Fonseca’s withdrawal, an extra lucky loser spot will open up when qualifying has been completed. Matteo Arnaldi will now be seeded in the main draw.
