Brazilian tennis professional Joao Fonseca has confirmed that he will not compete in the upcoming U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows. The 20‑year‑old, who is currently ranked No. 26 in the world, posted a statement on Instagram on Monday explaining that medical tests revealed an abdominal injury that needs further recovery time.
Injury and decision to withdraw
Fonseca said, “After undergoing tests and starting treatment for my abdomen, it became clear to me and my team that I need more time to fully recover so I can compete at a high level.” He added that the decision was difficult because the tournament holds special meaning for him, but he intends to return as soon as his health permits.
Recent performance and impact on the field
Fonseca entered the U.S. Open as one of the most talked‑about players after a sensational run at the French Open, where he reached the quarter‑finals and recorded victories over Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud. His absence removes a high‑profile contender from the men’s singles draw, which already lost world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Briton Jack Draper to injuries last week. Former world No. 4 Holger Rune will also miss the event.
What this means for the tournament
The men’s singles main draw is set to begin on Sunday, and tournament officials will adjust the bracket to account for the withdrawals. Fans who were hoping to see Fonseca’s aggressive baseline play will now focus on the remaining field, which still includes several top‑ranked players.
Looking ahead
Fonseca’s team indicated that he will continue treatment and rehabilitation with the goal of returning to competition later in the season. While the exact timeline for his comeback has not been disclosed, he emphasized a commitment to “working hard” to regain full fitness.
Injuries are a common challenge in professional tennis, and the U.S. Open has seen several high‑profile withdrawals in recent years. The tournament’s organizers remain optimistic that the event will deliver exciting matches despite the reduced roster of star players.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
