World No 1 Jannik Sinner withdraws from US Open with knee injury

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open due to a persistent right knee injury, the Italian announced on Friday, August 21, 2026. The decision removes one of the tournament's top contenders just two days before the final Grand Slam of the season begins in New York.

Sinner, the 24-year-old who captured his fifth major title at Wimbledon last month, said in a statement posted on X that he and his team had to make the "difficult decision" after recent practice sessions in Monte Carlo revealed he still needed more time to recover. "I'm obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart," he added. The exact nature of the knee issue has not been publicly detailed, though a member of his team indicated it does not require surgery.

The withdrawal comes less than 24 hours after his chief rival, world number two Carlos Alcaraz, confirmed his own comeback to competition at Flushing Meadows. Alcaraz, the defending champion, had been sidelined for four months with a wrist injury. Sinner's absence now makes the Spaniard the highest-ranked player in the draw and a clear favorite to lift the title.

Sinner has not played competitively since...