2025 US Open: Five Players Withdraw From Event

The 2025 US Open starts on August 24th. On the women’s side, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek are among those vying for the title. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who play in the Cincinnati Open final, start as the men’s favorites. Five high-profile withdrawals have weakened the US Open entry list. This article names those no longer playing and their replacements.

Five Players Withdraw From US Open

Which players have withdrawn?

2022 runner-up Ons Jabeur was the first player to withdraw from the US Open. Last month, the Tunisian took a break from tennis to prioritize her well-being after a challenging last two years. Since losing the 2023 Wimbledon final, Jabeur has struggled with persistent injury issues and a lack of confidence.

Qinwen Zheng was the second player to withdraw from the US Open. On July 19th, the Olympic Gold Medalist revealed she had undergone surgery for a persistent elbow issue. Although the surgery was successful, rehabilitation from severe elbow problems usually takes a significant period, meaning Zheng could be out for the rest of 2025.

Grigor Dimitrov’s withdrawal from the tournament at Flushing Meadows was unsurprising. He heartbreakingly retired in his Wimbledon quarterfinal against Jannik Sinner after winning the opening two sets because of a torn chest muscle. The injury looked severe from the moment it happened, and that has proved true.

Matteo Berrettini’s injury woes continued after he was forced to withdraw from the US Open. The Italian missed the French Open with a right oblique problem. He returned at Wimbledon, losing in five sets in the opening round, and did not look fully fit. Berrettini has returned to the sidelines since that appearance.

Paula Badosa also removed herself from the entry list. The former world No. 2 has been plagued by a back injury since 2023, and that issue is the reason for her withdrawal. Repeated setbacks with that physical ailment raise serious questions about Badosa’s future in tennis. Hopefully, she can enjoy a lengthy injury-free period soon.

Who replaces those players on the entry list?

Mayar Sherif takes Jabeur’s place at the US Open. The Egyptian clay court specialist has never won a main draw match in New York, and, although she is a fighter, other players might view her as a good draw to get. Leolia Jeanjean replaces Zheng. Her sole previous main draw appearance at the season’s final Grand Slam occurred in 2022, when she lost in the opening round.

Alejandro Tabilo benefits from Dimitrov’s decision to withdraw. The Chilean is known for having a 2-0 record against Novak Djokovic, including a win earlier this year at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Brandon Holt is on the US Open entry list instead of Berrettini after a season that has included two Challenger Tour titles. Jil Teichmann, who reached the final in Iasi last month, replaced Badosa.