Paula Badosa, 2024 quarterfinalist, withdraws from US Open: "This decision was incredibly difficult to make"

NEW YORK (AP) — Former top-10 player Paula Badosa pulled out of the U.S. Open on Friday after dealing with a back injury that has sidelined her since a first-round loss at Wimbledon on June 30.

The U.S. Tennis Association announced Badosa's withdrawal and said Jil Teichmann would replace her in the field. Alizé Cornet, who retired from tennis last year but returned to action this year, is the next woman in line to get a berth in the draw at Flushing Meadows if someone else pulls out.

“This decision was incredibly difficult to make,” Badosa wrote on her Instagram story.

“Right now I need to focus on my health and recovery so I can return stronger and ready to compete again.”

Play is scheduled to begin on Aug. 24 in the singles brackets at the year's last Grand Slam tournament.

Badosa, a 27-year-old from Spain, reached a career-best ranking of No. 2 in 2022 and is currently No. 12.

She reached the semifinals at the Australian Open this January. Her best showing at the US Open was a run to the quarterfinals last year.

Editor's Note: Badosa had also entered the US Open's mixed doubles event with Jack Draper, with the pair coming in at No. 2 in the combined rankings of the eight direct entries.