The 2025 French Open at Roland Garros has lost another high-profile name after Belinda Bencic withdrew from the season's second Grand Slam due to an injury.
Bencic has enjoyed a sensational return to the WTA Tour. She was on maternity leave for almost a year before making a comeback in an ITF event and the Billie Jean King Cup during the closing stages of the 2024 season.
Although the Olympic gold medalist is a superb player, even she is shocked by her results so far in 2025. The 28-year-old reached the Australian Open fourth round, losing in three sets to Coco Gauff.
Bencic then had an incredible title run at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open, which included victories against the former Wimbledon champions Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova, before beating Ashlyn Krueger in the final.
She also avenged her loss to Gauff in Melbourne by overcoming the WTA world No. 2 in the round of 16 at the 2025 Indian Wells Open. This year's Australian Open champion, Madison Keys, defeated Bencic in the quarterfinal.
Clay has statistically been Bencic's weakest surface throughout her career. Her best results at Roland Garros were a pair of third-round appearances in 2019 and 2022, but she is capable of good tennis on any surface.
Bencic's most recent match ended in retirement against Maria Sakkari in the opening round of the 2025 Italian Open in Rome. Sakkari had won the first set 6-2 when her opponent decided not to play any further.
Unfortunately, fans will not be treated to Bencic's entertaining style at this year's French Open. In an Instagram story, the former US Open semifinalist announced her withdrawal from the Parisian tournament due to her arm injury.
"Hi everyone, quick update from. I will, unfortunately, miss Roland Garros this year. Just two days ago during a morning practice, I re-aggravated the arm injury that forced me to retire in Rome."
"The good news is that with two weeks of complete rest, I will be able to recover and heal fully, so I will do everything in that period to speed up the process and therefore see you soon on the grass."
While Bencic understandably does not want to make any promises, she seems hopeful about her chances of being fit for the grass-court swing that starts the day after the French Open men's singles final is played.
Although withdrawing from a Grand Slam is disappointing, Bencic's caution makes sense, especially since the Swiss's game is more naturally suited to grass. If fit and healthy, she could have impressive results on the surface.
Matteo Berrettini was the most notable French Open withdrawal on the men's side. The 2021 Wimbledon runner-up has now missed the last four editions of Roland Garros because of varying injuries.
His absence may have been a relief to other players in the men's draw. Berrettini is an excellent clay-court player, and his huge serve and powerful forehand can cause anyone problems. He expects to be fit for the grass-court swing.
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