PARIS — Swiss tennis star Belinda Bencic has withdrawn from the 2024 French Open just 24 hours after the tournament draw was announced, citing ongoing injury concerns. The former world No. 4, who has been sidelined for much of the season, confirmed her absence in a statement released on social media.
Bencic, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, has struggled with a persistent wrist injury that forced her to miss several key tournaments this year. Her withdrawal marks another setback for the 27-year-old, who was hoping to make her return at Roland Garros. "After careful consideration with my medical team, I’ve decided not to compete in Paris this year," Bencic wrote.
A Season Marred by Injuries
Bencic’s 2024 campaign has been derailed by recurring physical issues. She last competed in February at the Abu Dhabi Open, where she retired mid-match due to wrist pain. Since then, she has skipped Indian Wells, Miami, and the entire clay-court swing, including the Madrid Open and Italian Open.
Her withdrawal from the French Open raises questions about her readiness for Wimbledon, which begins in July. Bencic has historically performed well on grass, reaching the quarterfinals at SW19 in 2021. However, her team has not yet confirmed whether she will attempt a comeback before then.
Impact on the French Open Draw
Bencic’s late exit reshuffles the women’s singles bracket, with lucky loser Olga Danilović of Serbia taking her place. The Swiss was originally drawn to face Spain’s Cristina Bucșa in the first round, with a potential third-round clash against world No. 1 Iga Świątek looming.
Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo expressed disappointment over Bencic’s absence: "Belinda is a fierce competitor and a fan favorite. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on court soon."
Key Points on Bencic’s Withdrawal:
- Bencic has not played a full match since February.
- Her ranking has dropped to No. 37, her lowest since 2018.
- She joins a growing list of absentees, including Karolína Plíšková and Petra Kvitová.
Reactions from the Tennis World
Fellow players and analysts have voiced support for Bencic, acknowledging the challenges of returning from injury. Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who has faced her own fitness struggles, tweeted: "Wishing Belinda all the best in her recovery. The tour isn’t the same without her."
Meanwhile, tennis commentator Pam Shriver noted the broader implications: "Bencic’s absence weakens an already unpredictable women’s field. Her experience and versatility are sorely missed."
Looking Ahead
Bencic’s team has not provided a timeline for her return, but sources suggest she is targeting a grass-court return. The Swiss star has previously thrived on faster surfaces, winning Olympic gold in Tokyo and reaching the US Open semifinals in 2019.
For now, her focus remains on rehabilitation. "I’m working hard every day to get back to full strength," Bencic said in her statement. "Tennis will always be my passion, and I’ll return when I’m ready."
The French Open begins on May 26, with defending champion Świątek leading the field. Bencic’s withdrawal underscores the physical toll of the sport, particularly for players balancing injury comebacks with the demands of a grueling season.
As the tennis world shifts its attention to Paris, Bencic’s absence serves as a reminder of the fragility of an athlete’s career. Fans will hope to see her back in action soon, bringing her trademark fighting spirit to the courts once again.