João Fonseca withdraws from US Open following abdominal injury
20-year-old Brazilian tennis player returns to Brazil for treatment and ends Grand Slam streak
Brazilian tennis player João Fonseca announced this Monday that he is out of the US Open. The decision comes after the athlete failed to recover from abdominal discomfort felt during his participation in the Cincinnati tournament.
The reason for the withdrawal
The physical issue occurred last week while João Fonseca was competing in the Cincinnati ATP 1000. After defeating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in his debut, the Brazilian felt abdominal discomfort during a training session on the eve of his match against Australian Christopher O'Connell. Given the situation, the native of Rio de Janeiro withdrew from the tournament and returned to Brazil to begin medical treatment.
End of Grand Slam streak
His absence from the US Open interrupts a streak of seven consecutive appearances by the tennis player in Grand Slam tournaments since turning professional. The US Open will be the only Major of 2026 that the Brazilian will not play. With his exit from the tournament, João Fonseca will also lose 50 ATP ranking points, referring to point defense for reaching the second round in the 2025 edition.
The tennis player's official statement
After undergoing tests and beginning medical care, the athlete's team assessed that more time would be needed for a complete recovery. In a statement, the tennis player highlighted the difficulty of the choice: "After undergoing tests and starting treatment on my abdomen, it became clear to me and my team that I need more time to recover 100% and be able to compete at a high level. Therefore, unfortunately, I will not be able to play in the US Open". The player turned 20 last Friday.
Next steps and schedule
Recovering in Brazil, João Fonseca's focus now shifts to preparing for the Davis Cup, where the Brazilian team will face Switzerland in Rio de Janeiro. The tennis player's schedule for the rest of the season still anticipates participation in other competitions, including the Tokyo ATP 500, the Shanghai Masters 1000, the Basel ATP 500, and the Paris Masters 1000.
With information from GE, CNN Brasil.
Source: GE, CNN Brasil