Elena Rybakina withdraws from second round at 2024 US Open as woes continue for World No.4

The despair continues for Elena Rybakina who has appeared to have withdrawn from the 2024 US Open before her second round tie against Jessika Ponchet.

Rybakina the fourth seed at Flushing Meadows eased past Destanee Alava in the first round but has struggled over the last 18 months with illness constantly.

Her latest bout of illness came in the form of bronchitis which saw her miss the Paris Olympic Games and these issues have been confounded with her latest withdrawal.

"It is difficult for me to announce this, but unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympics," Rybakina wrote at the time on social media. "After Wimbledon, I contracted acute bronchitis, and despite trying to return to training, my body has yet to recover.

"The doctors have strictly forbidden me from going to court. I'm sorry that I cannot live up to your hopes and represent our national team at the Paris Olympics.

"I was so close to getting the medal in Tokyo and preparing carefully for the Paris Games to win gold for Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, the illness prevented these plans."

But it has been confirmed by the USTA that it is an undisclosed injury which has caused her to miss the tie against the Frenchwoman. So it seems to be something other than illness albeit it will likely be confirmed shortly. It continues a torrid 12 months for Rybakina who when on is one of the best in the world but has often had to withdraw from tournaments with illness or injury meaning a sustainable run hasn't happened.

“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.”

It also hands a big chance in her section to Caroline Wozniacki who could reach the fourth round with relative ease if she gets past Renata Zarazua later this evening. Ponchet also is into the third round for the first time and also benefits.

While Rybakina continues to be a headscratcher as to why she can't put a sustained run together and she seemed to not be 100% anyway ending her press conference after mere minutes last round. She has also recently split with coach Stefano Vukov so a time of turmoil continues.