Reigning Wimbledon champion and top-ranked Italian pulls out of Flushing Meadows with persistent right knee trouble, reshaping the final Grand Slam of the season.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will not defend his hard-court form or chase another major in New York. On Friday the Italian announced he is withdrawing from the 2026 US Open because his right knee still needs more recovery time.
Sinner has not played since lifting the Wimbledon trophy on July 12. He beat Alexander Zverev in the final for his fifth Grand Slam title and second straight title at the All England Club. The knee problem forced him to skip the Canadian Open and withdraw from Cincinnati. Recent on-court sessions in Monte Carlo confirmed he was not ready for best-of-five-set battles.
The Statement That Ended His Slam Hopes
In a clear message posted on social media, Sinner 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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/9eoYS29jpO
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) August 21, 2026
The main draw begins August 30. This is the first Grand Slam Sinner has missed since his 2019 debut at the same tournament. He won the US Open in 2024 and reached the final last year.
Alcaraz Returns as the Field Opens Up
The timing carries extra weight. A day earlier, rival Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he will play after a four-month wrist injury absence. Alcaraz beat Sinner in the 2025 final and now becomes a leading contender despite limited recent match play.
Sinner’s 2026 numbers remain elite: a 44-3 record and six titles, including a string of early Masters 1000 crowns. His absence leaves the draw wider for Zverev, Novak Djokovic, and rising Americans. He plans to stay in Europe, continue rehabilitation, and target the Asian swing in Beijing and Shanghai.
The final Slam of the year just lost its clearest favorite. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows will feel different without the world No. 1.
AI Disclosure: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and was reviewed and edited by the Glowls News editorial team before publication.