'My Shoulder Won't Recover in Time...': Ons Jabeur Out of US Open; Elise Mertens to be 33rd Seed

Tunisian Ons Jabeur has pulled out of the U.S. Open, tournament organisers said on Thursday, the latest disappointment in an injury-riddled season.

She wrote in an Instagram post that her shoulder had not recovered in time to allow her to play at Flushing Meadows.

“I am truly sad to announce that my shoulder won’t recover in time for the US Open. I feel I need to give 100% and today its not possible yet. Life has ups and downs, but sometimes in the very negative moments we all need to find the positive in it. This year has been very tough for me, but I know somewhere the light is there. I keep smiling like I always do because I am grateful for my life, my family, my sponsors and the fans that have always supported me. Always grateful for the unconditional support YOU all bring to me,” she posted.

“If you are reading this post and wanting to wish me a speedy recovery, I truly appreciate it and cherish it , And if you are here to question my choices and my team, please find a little kindness in your heart because you don’t know what I have been going through for all these years. I promise once I get my strength back I will come back stronger,” she added.

World number 17 Jabeur was runner-up to Iga Swiatek in the 2022 final in New York. The Tunisian also reached the finals of Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023.

Jabeur, a former world number two, skipped the Olympics in an effort to preserve her fitness but then withdrew from the Washington WTA tournament at the start of the US Open hardcourt swing.

She then lost in the first round at Toronto to Naomi Osaka before pulling out of the Cincinnati Open last week.

Jabeur, a two-time Wimbledon finalist, lost her most recent match earlier this month against Naomi Osaka in the opening round in Toronto.

Following Jabeur’s withdrawal, Elise Mertens will take over the Tunisian’s place in the draw after being installed as the 33rd seed. A qualifier or lucky loser will take the Belgian’s place in the draw.

(With inputs from Agencies)