Jannik Sinner announces he's officially dropping out of the US Open.

Italian top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has officially withdrawn from the US Open, the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, due to ongoing recovery efforts from a right knee injury. The decision was announced on Friday, one day after Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz confirmed his participation in the event. Sinner, who is currently ranked number one in the world, stated in a statement that despite working diligently with his team and medical staff, the decision had been made to prioritize his health. He explained that recent training sessions in Monte Carlo revealed that he still requires more time to fully recover from the injury. “Although I have been working hard with my team and medical staff, we have had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,” he said. The Italian player expressed disappointment over missing the opportunity to compete in New York, which holds a special place in his heart. “I was really looking forward to returning and playing in that electric atmosphere in front of the passionate fans there,” he added. Sinner’s last official match came after he won Wimbledon for the second consecutive year. His absence from the US Open follows his withdrawal from the Montreal and Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournaments earlier this month for the same reason. Now, Sinner plans to stay in Europe and continue his rehabilitation under the guidance of his medical and performance teams, aiming to be ready for the Asian leg of the tour, including the tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai. Alcaraz, who had been sidelined since April due to a wrist injury sustained during the Conde de Godó tournament in Barcelona, returned to competition just days before Sinner's announcement. His presence at the US Open adds to the anticipation surrounding the event, which is set to take place later this month. Both players were previously seen competing against each other in the Monte Carlo Masters final, where they showcased their skills on the clay courts. Their contrasting paths, Sinner focusing on recovery and Alcaraz making a triumphant return, highlight the challenges athletes face when dealing with injuries. The US Open, held annually in August at Flushing Meadows, is one of the most prestigious events in professional tennis. With both Sinner and Alcaraz among the favorites, their absences could shift the dynamics of the tournament, potentially opening up opportunities for other contenders. As the tennis season progresses, the focus will remain on the health and readiness of top players. For Sinner, the priority is ensuring a full recovery so he can compete at the highest level again soon. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how quickly he can return to action.