World number one Jannik Sinner has announced that he will not be taking part in this year’s US Open after a lingering right‑knee problem forced him to withdraw. The Italian star, who has been absent from competition since his triumph at Wimbledon last month, confirmed that his injury still requires more time to heal before he can return to the court. Sinner’s last match was the Wimbledon final, where he secured his fifth Grand Slam crown by defeating Alexander Zverev in a hard‑fought battle.
That victory marked a successful title defence at the All England Club and cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest talents. However, the physical toll of the grass‑court season proved too much for his knee, and he has been sidelined ever since. In the weeks that followed, Sinner missed the two Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati.
He pulled out of the Cincinnati tournament specifically because of the right‑knee issue, hoping that a short break would allow him to recover in time for the US Open at Flushing Meadows. Unfortunately, after a brief practice stint in Monte Carlo, his medical team concluded that his knee had not yet returned to a condition that could safely endure the rigors of a Grand Slam. The 2024 champion took to social media to explain the situation.
In his statement he said, “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. 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. 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.” Sinner’s withdrawal comes just a day after his chief rival, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, announced his own comeback after a four‑month hiatus caused by a wrist injury.
Alcaraz, who lost to Sinner in the Wimbledon final a year earlier, will now be the highest‑ranked player left in the men’s draw, aiming for his third US Open title. The Italian’s exit opens a spot in the singles field, which has been filled by Spain’s Carlos Taberner. Commentators have highlighted the broader impact of Sinner’s decision.
Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft told Sky Sports’ Gigi Salmon that the news was “quite a shock.” She noted that while the Italian had been resting during the last two events, the original plan was to use that time to fine‑tune his preparation for New York. “It’s a big blow to tennis because it feels like a long time ago that we had Alcaraz and Sinner in the events together and it feels like a great loss,” Croft said.
Croft also pointed out how demanding the modern tour can be on a player’s body. She recalled Sinner’s extraordinary run earlier in the year, when he captured five consecutive Masters 1000 titles—a feat that many considered historic. Yet, by the time the French Open arrived, his stamina was already waning, and he fell short of the title.
After bouncing back at Wimbledon, his knee finally gave way, underscoring the delicate balance athletes must strike between playing the mandatory tour events and peaking at the Grand Slams. Former world No. 40 Ryan Harrison added his perspective, suggesting that the risk of aggravating the injury outweighed any potential reward of competing in New York.
“Sinner feels the risk of playing the US Open is a little bit too much,” Harrison remarked. The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has become a focal point for tennis fans, with many likening their match‑ups to a high‑stakes boxing bout. Croft explained, “It’s a long time since we had them in the same draw.
They have become the new rivalry that everyone wants to see. I really don’t mind watching the same players compete all the time because those are the matches you really look forward to.
It’s like watching a big boxing fight. You want to see the very best go up against each other, but now it’s an opportunity for the next category down to shine.” She noted that the sport is currently in a transitional phase, with younger players waiting for the chance to step into the spotlight.
Looking ahead, the US Open will continue without Sinner, with Sky Sports broadcasting the tournament from August 30. Alcaraz will now carry the hopes of the new generation, seeking his third title at Flushing Meadows after winning his first Grand Slam there in 2022 and defending it in 2023. Meanwhile, Sinner’s focus will shift to rehabilitation, with the goal of returning stronger for the remainder of the season and the next major events. The situation serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on elite tennis professionals.
Even the most talented players can be sidelined by injuries that require patience and careful management. Fans worldwide hope that Jannik Sinner’s knee recovers fully and that he will be back on the court, ready to challenge for more titles in the near future.