World No. 1 Jannik Sinner Withdraws from 2026 US Open Due to Persistent Knee Injury
NEW YORK — The 2026 US Open has suffered a significant setback just days before the tournament’s commencement. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner officially announced his withdrawal from the final Grand Slam of the season on Friday, August 21, citing a persistent right knee injury that has sidelined him for the past month.
The 25-year-old Italian star, who currently sits atop the ATP rankings, had been working extensively with his medical team in Monte Carlo in hopes of making a recovery. However, after returning to the practice courts this week, it became clear that he was not physically prepared for the grueling demands of best-of-five-set Grand Slam tennis.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Sinner expressed his profound disappointment regarding the decision. "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," Sinner wrote. "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."
A Season of Dominance Paused
The withdrawal serves as a sudden interruption to a career-best campaign. Sinner has been the undisputed titan of the 2026 ATP Tour, boasting an impressive 44-3 win-loss record and securing six titles. His momentum was underscored by his successful defense of his Wimbledon title on July 12, where he defeated Alexander Zverev. That final at the All England Club remains his last competitive appearance.
Sinner’s absence from Flushing Meadows, which begins on August 30, comes after he was forced to skip the lead-up events at the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open due to the same knee ailment.
Implications for the Rankings
Despite the withdrawal, the tennis world will see Sinner maintain his position as the world No. 1. He currently holds a commanding lead of over 5,000 ranking points over his closest competitors. While he will lose the points gained from his runner-up finish at last year’s US Open, his cushion is large enough to ensure he remains at the top of the rankings once the tournament concludes.
The tennis community now turns its attention to the men’s singles draw, which will look significantly different without the presence of the sport’s current dominant figure. For more details on this developing story, you can read the original report on the US Open website.
