Jannik Sinner Withdraws From US Open 2026 as Knee Injury Halts Title Defense

Jannik Sinner will not defend his US Open crown after the world No. 1 withdrew from the tournament with a right knee injury, ending his hopes of competing at Flushing Meadows this year. The decision comes after the Italian also missed the Masters events in Montreal and Cincinnati while recovering from the problem.

Sinner had been enjoying one of the strongest seasons of his career before the injury interrupted his campaign. He has won 44 of his 47 matches in 2026, collecting titles at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.

The 24-year-old said he and his medical team had concluded that he needed additional recovery time after returning to court in Monte Carlo.

"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 2026. We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue," Sinner posted on Instagram.

Sinner's absence leaves a major opening at the final Grand Slam of the season. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, has confirmed his participation, while Alexander Zverev will arrive with another chance to win the title that escaped him after his defeat by Dominic Thiem in the 2020 final.

Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated men's Grand Slam tennis in recent seasons, combining for nine of the previous 10 major titles before Zverev's French Open triumph in June. With Sinner now out, the Spaniard has a clearer route towards another US Open final after returning from a wrist injury.

The withdrawal could also boost the prospects of the leading American contenders. Taylor Fritz reached the final in 2024 and lost to Sinner, while Ben Shelton enters the tournament after winning in Montreal. Both will have an opportunity to challenge for what would be the first men's singles major title for an American since 2003.

Sinner won the US Open in 2024 before finishing runner-up to Alcaraz last year. His absence is therefore a significant change to a draw in which he had been expected to play a leading role.

"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," he said.