Tennis enthusiasts will miss the presence of a significant star at the upcoming U.S. Open as World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has declared his withdrawal from the year's final Grand Slam. The decision, announced Friday, stems from a persistent right knee injury.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Sinner conveyed his disappointment. "Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year," he wrote. He elaborated on his recovery process, adding, "We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realized that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue." The Italian star also expressed his affection for the tournament's host city: "I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there."
Recent Performance and Injury Impact
Sinner’s withdrawal follows a triumphant run at Wimbledon last month, where he secured the title by defeating Alexander Zverev. Despite this major victory, he has not competed since, opting out of the hard-court tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati, which typically serve as crucial warm-up events for the U.S. Open.
The 25-year-old Italian has a notable history at the U.S. Open, having clinched the title in 2024 and reaching the final in 2023, where he ultimately fell to Carlos Alcaraz.
This year has largely been a period of remarkable dominance for Sinner, boasting an impressive 44-3 match record and securing six titles so far in 2026. His season, however, included a challenging moment at the French Open, where he experienced a stunning collapse in his second-round match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. During that contest, Sinner squandered a two-set lead while visibly struggling with the heat, subsequently taking a break from competition until his successful Wimbledon campaign, which marked his fifth Grand Slam title.
This upcoming U.S. Open will mark the first time Sinner has missed a Grand Slam event since making his professional major debut at the very same tournament in 2019.
Alcaraz's Return Amidst Absences
While Sinner's absence is a significant blow, fans will still witness the return of another top player, Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who has been sidelined since April due to a right wrist injury, announced his comeback on social media on Thursday, promising an exciting addition to the tournament's lineup.