Maria Sakkari Retires from US Open Match Due to Injury

The 2024 US Open kicked off with drama as Greek star Maria Sakkari, seeded ninth, retired from her first-round match against China's Yafan Wang after losing the first set 6-2 due to a shoulder injury. Sakkari had been visibly struggling with her neck and shoulder, requiring medical attention before ultimately deciding to withdraw, marking her sixth first-round exit in Grand Slams since reaching the semifinals in 2021. Meanwhile, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina raised concerns among fans by calling a medical timeout during her match against Maria Lourdes Carle, dealing with a persistent foot injury that has troubled her in recent tournaments. The tournament featured other notable players, including defending champions Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, with Djokovic expressing confidence following his Golden Slam achievement. Svitolina's injury and Sakkari's unexpected exit reflect the challenges athletes face, despite rigorous preparations for the prestigious event. As players aim to recover and regroup, the tournament continues to unfold under the New York skies.