Injury Crisis Looms as US Open Prepares Record Prize Fund
Injury Withdrawals Overshadow Tournament Build-Up
The US Open has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the tournament, with several top-ranked players forced to withdraw due to injury concerns. World number one Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the competition, expressing his disappointment at the decision, while British player Jack Draper has also been sidelined. The injury crisis continued during warm-up events, with Elena Rybakina retiring from her Cincinnati quarter-final match against Iga Swiatek, raising further concerns about player fitness entering the Grand Slam.
Alcaraz Cleared to Return After Extended Absence
On a more positive note for the tournament, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his return to action after a four-month injury layoff. The Spanish star is set to defend his US Open title, providing the competition with at least one major draw among the men's field following the high-profile absences.
Record Prize Fund Brings Consensus Among Players
The US Open has announced a historic prize fund of $108 million, with singles champions now earning a record $5.5 million. The tournament's enhanced financial offering has been welcomed by the playing ranks, with no player protests planned regarding compensation or conditions.
Today's tennis headlines
- 'Disappointed' Sinner withdraws from US Open — espn.com
- Injured Sinner & Draper withdraw from US Open — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper out of US Open as injuries take their toll — theguardian.com
- Rybakina retires injured in quarter-final against Swiatek — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Rybakina retires from Cincy quarters with injury — espn.com
- Can Aryna Sabalenka find a way to repair her collapsed form? | Tumaini Carayol — theguardian.com
- Alcaraz set to return from injury, defend Open title — espn.com
- Players welcome record $108m US Open prize fund and will not stage protests — theguardian.com
- ‘Here we go’: Carlos Alcaraz confirms US Open return after four-month injury absence — theguardian.com
- US Open offers biggest prize fund in Grand Slam history — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Alcaraz to play US Open after four months out — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- US Open singles champs to earn record $5.5M — espn.com