World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open due to a persistent right knee issue, according to announcements by the player and multiple sports outlets on Friday. Sinner, who has not played a competitive match since defending his Wimbledon title last month, joins Great Britain’s Jack Draper on the sidelines for the final grand slam of the year, which begins August 30 in Flushing Meadows, New York, according to PA Media and tournament reporting.
Sinner Cites Recovery Time Needed Following Monte Carlo Practice
According to a statement posted on X and reported by CNN and The New York Times, Sinner explained that despite working hard with his team and medical staff, he and his camp realized during practice sessions in Monte Carlo that his knee requires more recovery time. Sinner stated that he is sad and disappointed to miss New York, a venue holding a special place in his heart, where he won the title in 2024 and finished as the runner-up last year to Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz Returns While Draw Dynamics Shift at Flushing Meadows
According to The New York Times, Sinner’s withdrawal means French Open champion Alexander Zverev will be the No. 1 seed, and Alcaraz will be the No. 2 seed, with the defending champion having been sidelined since April due to a right wrist injury. Alcaraz announced his return to competition on Thursday after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury that sidelined him for Roland Garros and Wimbledon, according to CNN and tournament records. The absence of Sinner prevents a potential major final clash between the two dominant young rivals who met in three consecutive major finals in 2025, leaving a significant shift in the draw as Alcaraz seeks to defend his title, as reported by The New York Times.
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Tournament records and CNN indicate that the 25-year-old’s decision to pull out represents the initial grand slam missed by Jannik Sinner since his US Open debut back in 2019.
Draper Also Withdraws Following Physical Struggles
According to PA Media, Great Britain’s Jack Draper has also concluded he needs more recovery time and will miss the US Open. Draper has been contending with a bone bruise in his dominant left arm and decided to withdraw following two dispiriting matches in the United States, as detailed by PA Media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jannik Sinner withdraw from the US Open?
According to Sinner’s official statement reported by CNN and The New York Times, he withdrew due to a right knee issue that requires more time to heal despite recent practice sessions in Monte Carlo and medical tests in Milan and Turin.
When does the US Open main draw begin?
According to CNN and The New York Times, the US Open main draw runs from August 30 through September 13 in Flushing Meadows, New York, with the singles draws revealed on August 27.
Who takes the top seed following Sinner’s withdrawal?
According to The New York Times, Alexander Zverev will be the No. 1 seed for the tournament, with Carlos Alcaraz taking the No. 2 seed.