World No.1 Jannik Sinner withdraws from US Open due to injury

World No.1 Jannik Sinner has officially withdrawn from the upcoming US Open due to a recurring right knee injury, according to a statement released on Friday. The 24-year-old Italian tennis star, who recently secured his fifth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, announced that he would not participate in the season's final major tournament in New York. His withdrawal marks a significant shift in the men's singles draw, removing one of the top contenders from contention. Sinner sustained the injury earlier this month and has not competed since. He had previously opted out of the Cincinnati Open and the Canadian Open, both crucial preparatory tournaments before the US Open. In a message posted on X, Sinner expressed disappointment at having to miss the event, noting that New York holds a special place in his heart. He mentioned that despite efforts with his team and medical professionals, further recovery time is necessary. The announcement follows closely on the heels of world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz confirming his participation in the US Open after a four-month hiatus from competitive play. Alcaraz, who defeated Sinner in last year’s US Open final, now stands as the highest-ranked player and a leading contender for the title, even amid his own recent injury challenges. The US Open is set to commence on August 23 and conclude on September 13. With Sinner absent, Alcaraz faces fewer obstacles in his pursuit of an eighth Grand Slam title. This development alters the dynamics of the tournament, potentially offering Alcaraz a clearer path to victory. In addition to Sinner’s withdrawal, Britain’s Jack Draper has also decided not to compete in the US Open. The Lawn Tennis Association confirmed Draper’s absence shortly after Sinner’s announcement. Although the specific nature of Draper’s injury was not disclosed, media reports suggest it involves a long-term left arm condition. Draper, who once achieved a career-high ranking of world No.4 in 2025, had to end his season prematurely due to a bone injury in his arm. He has also dealt with a knee injury this year. Draper’s current ranking stands at 143rd, and he faced early exits in the Montreal and Cincinnati Opens. His best performance in a Grand Slam came at the 2024 US Open, where he reached the semi-finals. His absence adds another layer of change to the men’s singles field, which already lacks some of its top players. Sinner’s decision to sit out the US Open underscores the ongoing challenges posed by injuries in professional tennis. His recent success at Wimbledon highlights his ability to perform at the highest level, yet the knee issue has significantly impacted his schedule. The injury has forced him to skip several key tournaments, including the Cincinnati and Canadian Opens, which are typically vital for building form on hard courts. The impact of these withdrawals extends beyond individual players, affecting the overall competitiveness and narrative of the US Open. With Sinner and Draper out, the competition becomes more concentrated among a smaller group of players, potentially altering the outcome of the tournament. Alcaraz, as the top seed, now finds himself in a position where he might face less resistance than anticipated. As the US Open approaches, the tennis world watches closely to see how the absences of high-profile players will influence the tournament’s progression. The focus shifts to other emerging talents and established stars who remain in the fray, all vying for their chance to claim the prestigious title.