Sinner withdraws from US Open with knee injury

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner announced Friday that he will not compete at the 2026 US Open, withdrawing from the final Grand Slam of the season due to a persistent right knee injury. It marks the first time Sinner has missed a major since his Grand Slam debut at the 2019 US Open.atptour+1

"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," Sinner wrote in a post on X. "We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue."espn+1

A Dominant Season Cut Short

The 25-year-old Italian has not played since defeating Alexander Zverev in last month's Wimbledon final for his fifth Grand Slam title and second consecutive title at the All England Club. Sinner owns a 44-3 record in 2026 with six titles, including victories at the first five ATP Masters 1000 events of the season.ktvn+1

Sinner had already withdrawn from the hard-court tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati due to the same knee issue. According to the ATP Tour, his plan is to remain in Europe and continue recovery with the aim of returning for the Asian swing in Beijing and Shanghai.atptour

US Open Draw Reshaped

Sinner's withdrawal comes one day after rival Carlos Alcaraz announced he would return to defend his US Open title following a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. The two have dominated men's tennis in recent years, meeting in the last three Grand Slam finals of 2025, but will not face each other in New York.cbssports+1

According to CBS Sports, Sinner's absence means three consecutive Grand Slams have now been played without both of the sport's top two players healthy and competing. Alexander Zverev, who won this year's French Open, will be seeded No. 2, while Alcaraz takes the top seed. The US Open main draw begins August 30.espn+2

An Opening for the Field

With Sinner out and Alcaraz returning without match play since April, the draw presents an unusual opportunity. American players Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz could challenge for what would be the first US men's Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick won in New York in 2003. Novak Djokovic, still pursuing a record 25th major title, also remains in the field.forbes+1

Carlos Taberner will replace Sinner in the main draw.bleacherreport