NEW YORK — The 2024 US Open was meant to be a stage for redemption, but for Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina, their first-round clash became a source of intense controversy that saw both players slammed by fans and pundits alike. The match, which ended in a stunningly one-sided retirement, sparked a firestorm of criticism, branding the pair a "disgrace" and raising serious questions about the state of the modern game.
The highly anticipated night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium promised a blockbuster battle between two Grand Slam champions. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon winner and current World No. 4, was the heavy favourite. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion whose career has since been derailed by injuries, was the sentimental underdog hoping to recapture her Flushing Meadows magic. Instead, what unfolded was a bizarre and anti-climactic affair that left a capacity crowd feeling short-changed and furious.
A Match That Never Was
From the first serve, it was clear Rybakina was in dominant form, racing to a 3-0 lead. Raducanu, however, appeared off the pace and physically uncomfortable. After just 31 minutes of play, Rybakina sealed the first set 6-2. During the changeover, Raducanu received a medical timeout. She emerged with her right hand and wrist heavily taped, but the reprieve was brief. After playing three points in the second set, down 0-1 and 0-30, Raducanu approached the chair umpire and shook her opponent's hand, retiring from the match.
The abrupt ending sent a wave of disbelief through the arena. Boos rained down from the stands as fans, who had paid premium prices for the night session ticket, voiced their anger. The backlash was instantaneous and severe on social media, with criticism directed at both players for different reasons. Many questioned the legitimacy of Raducanu's injury, given its sudden onset, while others slammed the tournament for scheduling a player with a known history of physical problems in a premier slot.
Raducanu Bears the Brunt of the Fury
While Rybakina was largely seen as an unfortunate bystander, Raducanu faced the harshest condemnation. Critics were quick to label her a "disgrace" and accuse her of quitting when the going got tough. This narrative has plagued the British star since her breakthrough victory, with detractors pointing to a pattern of mid-match retirements and withdrawals. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova summed up the frustration on TV commentary, stating, "It’s a shame. I mean, for Emma, but more for the fans. They paid good money to see a match and they got 55 minutes. It’s just not enough."
The reaction online was even less forgiving. One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) read: "Raducanu is an absolute disgrace. To retire after an hour on Ashe against a top player is a slap in the face to every fan there. She’s stealing a living." Another added, "If you’re not fit, don’t play. Simple as that. Taking that spot and then pulling out is selfish."
Rybakina's Unwanted Controversy
Despite winning the match, Elena Rybakina found herself tangled in the controversy. The Kazakh star was criticised for what many perceived as a cold and dismissive reaction at the net. A quick, seemingly perfunctory handshake was dissected frame-by-frame, with some fans accusing her of a lack of sportsmanship and empathy. This incident compounded existing criticism Rybakina has faced this year for her on-court demeanor, which is often interpreted as disinterested or lacking passion.
Earlier in the 2024 season, Rybakina was at the centre of a separate scheduling storm. At the French Open, she vocally criticised organisers for repeatedly placing her matches on outside courts despite her high ranking, famously calling the situation a "disgrace". This history made her a focal point in the post-match discussion, with some suggesting the WTA's treatment of its stars creates a negative atmosphere. The combination of these events led to a perfect storm of bad PR for the typically reserved player.
A Deeper Problem: The WTA's Injury Crisis
While the anger was directed at the players, many analysts pointed out that the Raducanu-Rybakina fiasco is symptomatic of a much larger issue within the WTA Tour: a pervasive injury crisis. Retirements and withdrawals have become commonplace, disrupting tournaments and disappointing fans. Several key factors are often cited:
- Packed Calendar: An increasingly long and demanding season with few breaks.
- Power-Based Game: The modern game prioritises extreme power and athleticism, placing immense strain on the body.
This environment creates a no-win situation for players like Raducanu. If they play injured, they risk long-term damage and poor performance. If they withdraw, they face public scorn and accusations of being unreliable. As former British No. 1 Annabel Croft noted, "It’s a horrible position for any athlete. You want to compete, but your body simply won’t let you. The public doesn’t see the months of pain and rehab, they only see the moment you step off the court."
The Fallout and Looking Ahead
In the days following the match, Raducanu's team released a statement confirming she had been managing tendonitis in her wrist in the lead-up to the tournament and that the issue had acutely flared up during the match. This did little to quell the outrage from those who believed she should never have taken to the court. The incident has undoubtedly damaged Raducanu's reputation further, adding to the immense pressure she faces to prove her resilience.
For Rybakina, the controversy was an unwelcome distraction from her quest for a second major title. She advanced to the next round but was forced to repeatedly address the circumstances of her victory in press conferences, stating, "It’s never how you want to win. Of course, I saw that she was struggling, but I was just focused on my game. It’s unfortunate for everyone, especially the fans." The WTA and USTA faced their own share of questions about the wisdom of their scheduling decisions, highlighting a recurring communication gap between players and tournaments.
The first-round match that promised so much ultimately delivered a "disgraceful" spectacle, but not for the reasons anyone expected. It became a stark reminder of the physical toll of professional tennis and the fine line players walk between competition and self-preservation. While the anger of fans is understandable, the incident serves as a catalyst for a much-needed conversation about player health, scheduling, and the expectations placed on the sport's biggest stars.