Decoding the star players set to miss US Open 2024
What's the story
The 2024 US Open has been hit by a wave of withdrawals from several high-profile players due to injuries and other reasons.
Among those absent is Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Nadal's season has been marred by a series of injuries, limiting his participation in tournaments this year.
Despite initially being on the entry list for the US Open, he later withdrew citing an inability to perform at his best.
Here are players set to miss the event.
Nadal's statement
Nadal's withdrawal from US Open
Nadal, who has been grappling with injuries throughout the season, confirmed his withdrawal from the US Open.
He stated that his inclusion in the tournament was merely a precautionary measure.
"I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don't think I would be able to give my 100% this time," he expressed on social media.
Duo
Men's singles: Norrie and Kyrgios also out of US Open
Cameron Norrie, the British No. 2 player, will also miss the US Open due to a persistent forearm injury.
Despite his attempts to return in Cincinnati, his injury led to another withdrawal.
"I have been working hard to get my body to full health - unfortunately my forearm injury is not recovering as soon as I would have hoped," Norrie announced.
In addition, Australian player Nick Kyrgios has been sidelined from the tournament because of ongoing injuries.
Women's withdrawals
Halep and Vondrousova to miss US Open
Former world No. 1 Simona Halep will also be absent from the US Open due to a knee injury and a suspension that was later reduced.
Despite making a brief return in March, she struggled to find her form and has been out of action since then.
Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, is another significant absence from this year's tournament due to injuries that have disrupted her season.