The United States has a strong presence in the tennis arena, with many good players and a good infrastructure, and continues to play an important role on the world stage.

The US Open, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, kicks off on August 28. Currently, the top players on the tour have arrived in New York, ready to show their best form at the US Open.

Men's world number one Alcaraz and women's world number one Swatek are the defending champions of this US tennis tournament. Three-time US Open champion Djokovic is also back in New York following his absence last year, with the Serb the No. 2 seed in US tennis this year. In the warm-up match, he won the Cincinnati championship.

Every year, fans eagerly look forward to their favorite players appearing on the Grand Slam field. However, this year's US tennis event also lacked some star players.

1. Rafael Nadal (four-time U.S. tennis champion)

Nadal withdrew from all competitions this season due to an injury at the 2023 Australian Open. The Spaniard won two Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open) last year and is one of the most in-form players on tour.

After battling injuries and trying to maintain his best performance, Nadal had to make an important decision about his playing schedule. This year he chose to forego participating in important competitions, prioritizing giving his body a much-needed rest.

The former world number one has yet to reveal any concrete plans for a comeback but strongly hinted that the 2024 season could be his last.

2. Halep

Two-time Grand Slam champion Halep tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat when he was tested at US Tennis last August, Tennis Integrity International reported. She has been absent from the tour since then and has yet to play tennis in 2023. Romanians are also unable to participate in US tennis this year.

3. Naomi Osaka

Women's tennis luminary and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka will not play at this year's US Open after giving birth to her first child. Since September last year, she has been absent from the game due to pregnancy.

Naomi Osaka has shown a strong desire for a comeback, and fans can look forward to her performance at the 2024 Australian Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion has also expressed her desire to return to New York next year.

4. Cilic

Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, withdrew from this year's US tennis tournament due to a knee injury. After playing the Umag Open in July, he realized his knee wasn't in the best shape.

However, the Croatian recently informed his fans of his imminent return and has responded well to intense training with his knee. He felt that taking a little more precautionary measures could save him trouble in the future and make him more confident in the game.

5. Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios, known for his fiery personality and unique style of play, will also miss US Tennis in 2023 due to a wrist injury. He has been plagued by wrist, knee, and foot injuries all year, which have kept him out of all four Grand Slam tournaments.

The Australian has had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022 but has failed to keep up the momentum this year. Last year, he reached his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon and the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open.