Sinner and Draper withdraw from US Open 2026 with injuries in New York

World number one Jannik Sinner and Britain’s Jack Draper have withdrawn from the 2026 US Open because of injury. Sinner is recovering from a right knee problem, while Draper continues to manage a long-term issue in his left arm.

Sinner has not played since winning Wimbledon in July. The Italian returned to practice in Monte Carlo but decided he needed more recovery time before competing in New York. His absence removes the defending champion from the tournament after he won the 2024 US Open and lost last year’s final to Carlos Alcaraz.

The withdrawal also leaves Alcaraz as the leading player from the pair that has dominated the Grand Slam picture in recent seasons. The Spaniard confirmed his participation after missing four months because of a wrist injury. Sinner and Alcaraz have not appeared together at the last three Grand Slam events, with Alcaraz also absent from the French Open and Wimbledon.

Germany’s Alexander Zverev will therefore be the top seed in New York, followed by Alcaraz and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner had reclaimed the number one ranking after beating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final in April and has held it since, but his latest lay-off prevents him from defending his title.

Draper’s withdrawal extends a difficult period for the former British number one. Bone bruising in the humerus of his left arm has affected the power in his serve and forehand, the foundations of his game. He has played only 16 matches over the past 12 months and has missed all four Grand Slam tournaments this year.

The 24-year-old returned at the Canadian Open on 4 August but lost his opening match to France’s Terence Atmane after breaking down in tears during the contest. He played again at the Cincinnati Open nine days later and was beaten in straight sets by Spain’s Martin Landaluce, despite leading 5-2 in the second set. Draper’s representatives said he was deeply disappointed and could not give a timetable for his return.