Rising injury rates affect top players at the US Open

The US Open begins in New York under a shadow of injuries impacting several top contenders on the ATP and WTA tours. Jannik Sinner is absent from the tournament due to a knee injury, while Elena Rybakina enters the event nursing a heel issue. Other players, including Jack Draper and Victoria Mboko, also remain sidelined, highlighting a trend that has prompted concern among experts in sports medicine. Medical professionals suggest that the increasing physical demands of the professional schedule, combined with faster playing speeds and equipment changes, contribute to the rising incidence of player absences. A newly formed Grand Slam Player Advisory Council is expected to address these player welfare concerns, with discussions likely to focus on potential modifications to the 11-month tour calendar to ensure adequate recovery time.

• 2:15 AMYahoo Sports — Injuries cloud tennis as US Open gets under way