Jannik Sinner, currently the top-ranked player, announced his withdrawal from the U.S. Open on Friday due to an ongoing right knee injury that has kept him off the court since his victory at Wimbledon.
Last month, Sinner secured his second consecutive title at the All England Club by defeating Alexander Zverev, but subsequently, he had to pull out of the hard-court events in Montreal and Cincinnati, which are typically preparatory for the U.S. Open.
The 25-year-old Italian expressed on Friday that he would not be prepared to compete when the tournament’s main draw commences on August 30.
“Despite my hard work alongside my team and medical staff, we have made the tough decision that I will not participate in the U.S. Open this year,” Sinner shared in a post on X.
“We have recently returned to the court in Monte Carlo and have come to the conclusion that I require more time to heal from my knee issue. This news is obviously saddening and disappointing for me, as New York holds a special significance in my heart. I was eagerly anticipating returning to play in the vibrant atmosphere in front of the wonderful fans there.”
Sinner was the reigning U.S. Open champion after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final.
On Thursday, Alcaraz announced on social media that he would be ready to compete in New York after being sidelined since April due to a right wrist injury.
The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has been a defining feature of men’s tennis in recent years, with the two having faced off in the last three Grand Slam finals in 2025. Alcaraz won the latest match in New York, claiming victory in four sets.
This match ended Sinner’s reign as champion after he defeated Taylor Fritz in straight sets during the 2024 final.
Sinner boasts a remarkable record of 44 wins and 3 losses this year, alongside six titles. He experienced a surprising setback at the French Open, where he squandered a two-set lead while battling the heat against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round. He then took a break until Wimbledon, where his triumph marked his fifth Grand Slam title.
This will mark the first occasion that Sinner has missed a Grand Slam event since making his major debut at the U.S. Open in 2019.
