US star issues devastating update after being wheeled away from French Open in tears
US star issues devastating update after being wheeled away from French Open in tears
Archie Griggs Sat, May 30, 2026 at 11:06 AM UTC
0
Hailey Baptiste of United States reacts
Hailey Baptiste of United States reacts (Image: Clive Brunskill, Getty Images)
Hailey Baptiste has released a lengthy statement following her devastating retirement from the French Open due to a serious injury.
The young American was forced to withdraw mid-match after sustaining a severe fall during her second-round clash against Xiyu Wang on Wednesday. Baptiste's screams of agony echoed across the court as she writhed on the clay surface before medical staff rushed to her aid.
She was subsequently carried off the court in a wheelchair, visibly distraught and shielding her face with a towel as she wept. The crowd responded with warm applause, as the 24-year-old's French Open campaign came to a heartbreaking and abrupt end. It comes as Joao Fonseca shares what Novak Djokovic told him after French Open upset.
Bubba Wallace calls NASCAR rival a 'goober' who doesn't interact with other drivers
NASCAR makes sad and inevitable Kyle Busch move after death certificate relea
Baptiste turned to Instagram on Friday night to address her followers, opening up about the emotional toll that compounded her physical suffering.
"The most heartbreaking end to the best season of my life," she began. "Still waiting to wake up from this nightmare. In my head, all I can think is why, why, and why. Why me? Why now? And why like this?
Hailey Baptiste was left screaming in pain after suffering a bad injury (Image: TNT SPORTS)
"It's hard to see any purpose in something like this right now, but in my heart, I truly believe everything happens for a reason.
Advertisement
"It's been a long and heavy couple of days filled with bad news, uncontrollable tears, and a million thoughts running through my head.
"This new, but somewhat familiar, challenge faces me with what will probably be one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I'm beyond ready to show how strong I really am.
"The reality is, things could be a lot worse, and I have the most amazing and loving people around me whenever I need them. Through the fire, I'm still extremely blessed, and that's what will get me through the tough days.
"To everyone who has messaged me, prayed for me, and sent love, thank you so much. I can't put into words how much it means.
"Special thanks to my dad, Franklin, and Will. You guys have picked me up, held me together, and damn near wiped my a** these last couple of days. Words won't do it justice, but I love you guys deeply. I will be back, and I will be better."
The setback came at an unfortunate moment for Baptiste, who had been performing exceptionally well during the clay court season. Earlier in the year, she secured an impressive win against Aryna Sabalenka en route to reaching the Madrid Open semi-finals.
Wang, on the other hand, advanced by defeating Yulia Starodubtseva in the third round and is scheduled to meet Sorana Cirstea in the fourth round on Sunday.
]]>
Source: “AOL Sports”
