Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 US Open
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
New York City, United States
30 August – 13 September
The US Open has suffered a major blow with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner forced to withdraw from this year’s tournament, ending his hopes of returning to New York to defend his title.
Sinner has not competed since winning Wimbledon in July, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in the final for the fifth Grand Slam title of his career. A troublesome right knee has since kept him sidelined, with the Italian withdrawing from both Montreal and Cincinnati before ultimately accepting that he would not be ready for the demands of a best-of-five-set Grand Slam.
The decision is particularly significant given Sinner’s extraordinary 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old has compiled a 44-3 record and won six titles, while his US Open record includes his 2024 triumph and last year’s runner-up finish to Carlos Alcaraz.
His absence dramatically alters the landscape in New York, removing the tournament’s top seed and one of its leading favourites. It also gives Alcaraz an even greater opportunity in the battle for supremacy at the top of men’s tennis.
But Sinner’s priority is now his recovery rather than rankings or silverware.
“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 said.
The Italian had returned to the court in Monte Carlo and tested the knee, but several days of work convinced him that a Grand Slam had arrived too soon.
“I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart,” Sinner added. “I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there.”
Sinner is now targeting a return during the Asian swing, with Beijing and Shanghai potential comeback events approximately a month from now. According to reports, he has undergone further tests in Turin and is continuing controlled training while monitoring the knee’s response.
The cautious approach is understandable after his failed attempt to return for Cincinnati.
“My right knee has been bothering me and even though we have been working hard with my medical team, I have to accept that I’m not ready to compete yet,” he said at the time.
For the US Open, Sinner’s absence leaves a huge hole. For the Italian, however, the bigger prize is returning healthy; potentially in time to launch a strong finish to the season in Asia, Europe and at the ATP Finals in Turin.
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