World No. 1 Sinner withdraws from 2026 US Open with knee injury

World number one Jannik Sinner will miss the 2026 US Open after failing to recover sufficiently from a right knee injury. The 24-year-old Italian, a five-time Grand Slam champion, made the decision on August 21 after returning to court in Monte Carlo with his team and medical staff.

Sinner has not played since winning Wimbledon on July 12. He had already withdrawn from the hard-court events in Montreal and Cincinnati, which were scheduled to serve as preparation for the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.

The absence removes the 2024 US Open champion from this year’s field. Sinner reached the final last year but was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz, who has now announced his return to competition at the tournament after more than four months away with a wrist injury.

Sinner’s withdrawal comes during a strong 2026 campaign. He has won 44 matches and lost three, while collecting six titles, including his Wimbledon triumph. His season also included a setback at the French Open, where he exited in the second round after struggling during a heatwave.

Sinner is expected to remain in Europe while continuing his recovery. His stated target is to return for the Asian swing, with the tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai identified as possible events for his comeback. The Italian said New York held particular importance for him and that he was disappointed not to compete there this year.