Top-seeded Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the U.S. Open due to an ongoing right knee injury that has kept him out of action since claiming victory at Wimbledon. Sinner, who recently defeated Alexander Zverev to secure his second consecutive All England Club title, opted to skip the lead-up hard-court events in Montreal and Cincinnati, leading to his decision to withdraw from the upcoming U.S. Open starting on August 30.
In a statement released on Friday, the 25-year-old Italian expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete in New York this year despite extensive efforts by his team and medical staff to aid his recovery. Sinner acknowledged that more time was needed to address his knee issue, expressing his regret at missing the opportunity to play in front of the passionate New York crowd.
Having claimed the U.S. Open title in 2024 and finishing as the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz last year, Sinner has had an impressive season, securing six titles with a record of 44-3. Despite his recent setbacks, including a notable defeat at the French Open, Sinner bounced back to clinch his fifth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
This marks the first time Sinner will miss a Grand Slam event since his debut at the U.S. Open in 2019. Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who has been sidelined with a right wrist injury since April, has confirmed his readiness to compete in New York, setting the stage for their anticipated rivalry to continue at the upcoming tournament. The duo has dominated men’s tennis in recent years, meeting in the finals of the last three Grand Slam events, with Alcaraz emerging victorious in their most recent clash at the U.S. Open.