Italian tennis champion Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1, confirmed on Friday that he will not compete in the upcoming US Open because of a lingering right‑knee injury. The announcement was made via a post on X, where Sinner explained that despite intensive work with his team and medical staff, he needs additional time to recover.
Injury timeline and recent play
Sinner and his crew returned to the courts in Monte Carlo earlier this week for a brief training stint. During those sessions, the team determined that the knee had not healed sufficiently for the rigors of a Grand Slam tournament. The 25‑year‑old expressed disappointment, noting that New York holds a special place in his heart after winning the US Open in 2024 and finishing runner‑up in 2025.
Impact on the US Open field
Sinner’s withdrawal opens a slot in the men’s singles draw, which will be filled according to tournament rules. His absence is notable because it is the first time he will miss a major championship since his debut at the 2019 US Open. The tournament, scheduled for August 30 through September 13 at Flushing Meadows, will still feature a strong field, including world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who announced his return after a four‑month wrist injury layoff.
Alcaraz’s comeback
Alcaraz, the 23‑year‑old Spaniard who missed the French Open and Wimbledon with a wrist injury, posted a photo in front of the US Open logo with the caption “Here we go.” He will defend his title after winning his first Grand Slam in New York in 2022 at age 19, becoming the youngest player ever to reach the top spot in the ATP rankings.
Recent performance and future outlook
Sinner’s most recent competitive appearance was at Wimbledon last month, where he captured his fifth career Grand Slam singles title. He subsequently missed the Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati while managing his knee. The exact date of the injury remains unclear, but medical staff expect a gradual rehabilitation process before he can return to full competition.
What fans can expect
While Sinner’s fans will miss his presence on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the US Open will continue to showcase top‑level tennis. The men’s and women’s singles draws will be released on August 27, giving spectators a preview of matchups and potential storylines for the two‑week tournament.
Updates on Sinner’s recovery will be provided as his team releases further information. In the meantime, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to a competitive US Open featuring a mix of seasoned champions and rising talents.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
