'Very sad and disappointed': Jannik Sinner announces shocking US Open 2026 withdrawal
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Sinner won the US Open back in 2024 and lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz last year
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Jannik Sinner stunned the tennis fraternity on August 21 by announcing his decision not to play the 2026 US Open. The World No. 1 himself broke the news on social media, stressing on how difficult it was for him to make this decision.
The Italian has been nursing a right knee injury for the past few weeks, which had forced him to withdraw from both the Canadian and Cincinnati Masters. Sinner wrote in his post that the right knee has not yet healed, leaving him with no other alternative.
“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 this year,” Sinner wrote.“
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. 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.”
Since beating Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon 2026 to successfully retain his crown, the 25-year-old has not stepped on court. The 2026 US Open will be the first Grand Slam event Sinner will not feature in, since making his major debut back in 2019.
Related: Aryna Sabalenka reveals new look for US Open 2026
As a result of this withdrawal, the five-time Grand Slam champion will also lose 1,400 ranking points, and while his position at the top will remain secure, it remains to be seen if Sinner makes his comeback during the Asian Swing.
Sinner’s withdrawal completely opens up the field at the Flushing Meadows this year. Earlier, Carlos Alcaraz confirmed his participation for the marquee event, but this will be his first tournament since April.
For the Spaniard to reach the final with nearly no gametime or match practice will require a stunning effort, but if one player is capable of pulling it off, it is Alcaraz.
Sinner’s absence also presents potentially one final chance for Novak Djokovic to win his 25th Grand Slam title.
Alexander Zverev could also add to his Roland Garros title, while American talents Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe might spring a surprise.
Why did Jannik Sinner withdraw from 2026 US Open?
Sinner pulled out of the final Grand Slam of the season due to a persistent knee injury.
What did Jannik Sinner say in his statement?
“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 this year. 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. 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.”
When will 2026 US Open start?
The final Grand Slam of the season will begin on August 23, with the main draw starting on August 30, and will culminate with the final on September 13.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.