The injury bug at the US Open shows no signs of slowing down. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows have claimed yet another victim, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief. This time, it’s Czech tennis sensation Karolina Pliskova who has faced the heartbreak of an early exit. Just as she was hoping to make a deep run, an untimely injury dashed her dreams, adding her name to the growing list of players sidelined by the relentless physical demands of the tournament. The disappointment is palpable, as another star is forced to step aside before the action truly heats up.

Playing against Jasmine Paolini in the second round of the tournament at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, Pliskova suffered an ankle injury in the first set itself. She was seen in immense pain after a movement for hitting the ball left her in agony and left her limping. With just three points being played in the match, Pliskova failed to make a return after the injury and decided to withdraw from the match, adding tot he list of players retiring due to injury.  

The first player who was forced to withdraw from the WTA side was Maria Sakkari, who left in tears after failing to continue her opening round clash following a shoulder and neck issue. She was joined by Amanda Anisimova, who, despite not withdrawing from the match, failed to play sensationally after suffering from a wrist injury.

This injury, meanwhile, not only marked the end of Pliskova’s run at the Grand Slam but also paved the way for Jasmine Paolini. The Italian sensation will now be facing Yulia Putinsteva in the third round of the match. The latest match, meanwhile, has become one of the shortest matches that has ever been played in the history of the US Open as it lasted only six minutes. However, it could not break the record for the shortest match played at the venue. 

For the unversed, it was in 1972 when the tennis world witnessed the shortest match ever. Played between Georges Goven and Chico Hagey, the match witnessed only one point being played, after Hagey plowed into the fence and broke his right leg while attempting a wide shot. As similar scenes unfolded at the US Open, Paolini expressed her concerns for her counterpart. 

Speaking after the match, the Italian sensation said, “I hope she recovers soon because it’s sad to see her leave the court like this. We didn’t really play a match,” Continuing further, she reflected on the importance of Pliskova for the sport. “It’s not good for tennis. I just hope she gets well and we see her back on the courts soon.” But as Paolini continues advancing at the US Open, all she desires is to keep playing well. 

Jasmine Paolini expresses a special desire for the US Open

Jasmine Paolini has reached close to the glory and has missed it by a very few margin. She advanced to the finals of both, Wimbledon as well as the French Open, but failed to win the title on both occasions. But as she makes a remarkable beginning to the US Open, she has a special wish from the tournament. 

Speaking after defeating Bianca Andreescu in the first round, Paolini expressed her love for the venue. “I really enjoy playing here, this energy, this crowd… It’s an unbelievable atmosphere.” Continuing further, she said “I’m enjoying the best job in the world. This year I’m playing pretty well. I’m enjoying playing in this big stadium, with the crowd, it’s beautiful. I will try to keep this level and enjoy (it).”

As the tournament progresses, it would be interesting to see if Paolini can actually keep her momentum intact and clinch the glory that she has missed by minimal margins. Besides, it would also be a crucial factor to see if more injuries like that of Karolina Pliskova continue to unfold on the courts.