Wimbledon Champion Rybakina Withdraws from US Open Due to Injury

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from the US Open due to injury. The Kazakstani player was forced to pull out of her second-round match against French qualifier Jessika Ponchet, marking her sixth tournament withdrawal or retirement this year. Rybakina expressed disappointment, stating she hoped to finish the year strongly. Her absence creates a favorable path for world number one Iga Swiatek, who cruised through her second-round match, dropping only one game. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula continues to dominate fellow American players, securing her 11th victory with a win over Sofia Kenin. Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini advanced to the third round after her opponent, Karolina Pliskova, retired due to an ankle injury.