World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming U.S. Open, citing a lingering right knee injury that has forced him to the sidelines.
Sinner, who was the 2024 U.S. Open champion and reached the final again last year, revealed his decision in a statement posted Friday on X. He expressed his disappointment, noting that while he and his medical team have been working hard, more time is needed for recovery. "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 stated. He added that recent on-court sessions in Monte Carlo confirmed the need for additional recovery time.
"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," Sinner wrote.
Sinner's withdrawal significantly alters the landscape of the men's singles draw. His absence potentially boosts the chances for American players like Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, or Frances Tiafoe to win a Grand Slam title. The last American man to win a Grand Slam was Andy Roddick in 2023.
The tournament will also miss out on a potential rematch between Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, a highly anticipated matchup.