US Open 2026: World No 1 Jannik Sinner Withdraws Due to Knee Injury

New York is buzzing for the 2026 US Open, but the tournament has been dealt a major setback with the withdrawal of two prominent players: men's World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and promising British talent Jack Draper. Both players announced their difficult decisions on Friday, August 21, citing ongoing injury struggles that have prevented them from being fit for the year's final Grand Slam. US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Set for Flushing Meadows Title Defense After Injury Layoff.

Jannik Sinner Withdraws

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… pic.twitter.com/9eoYS29jpO

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) August 21, 2026

Sinner's Season Interrupted by Knee Issue

Jannik Sinner, the 25-year-old Italian sensation (born August 16, 2001) and current World No. 1, will miss the US Open due to a persistent right knee injury. Sinner confirmed his withdrawal in a statement on Friday, just days before the main draw is set to begin. He expressed his disappointment, stating, "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."

This marks a significant interruption to an otherwise stellar 2026 season for Sinner, who successfully defended his Wimbledon crown last month, making it his second consecutive title at the All England Club. His knee issue had already forced him to withdraw from the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, the crucial lead-up hard-court tournaments. Sinner's absence from a Grand Slam is his first since his major debut at the 2019 US Open. The Italian is now focused on rehabilitation and aims to return for the Asian hard-court swing in October, with tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai on his radar.  Nick Kyrgios Reveals He Tested Positive for Cocaine, Former Wimbledon Finalist Provisionally Suspended.

Jack Draper's Injury Nightmare Continues

For 24-year-old Jack Draper (born December 22, 2001), the US Open withdrawal is another chapter in a deeply frustrating 2026 season plagued by injuries. The former World No. 4, who reached this career-high on June 9, 2025, has been forced to miss all four Grand Slams this year due to ongoing physical problems. His latest setback stems from a persistent bone bruise in his dominant left arm.

Draper's season has been a struggle for consistency, with knee issues sidelining him between Barcelona and Eastbourne, followed by another setback that forced him out of Wimbledon. Attempts to regain match fitness at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open resulted in early exits and visible frustration. Currently ranked No. 143, Draper's promising career, which included a run to the US Open semi-finals in 2024, has been significantly hampered by these recurring physical issues. Aryna Sabalenka Opens Up on Overcoming Depression After Tragic Loss, Says ‘Tennis Saved Me'.

US Open 2026 Key Information

As the US Open Fan Week kicks off tomorrow, August 23, the absence of two crowd favourites leaves a noticeable void in the men's singles draw. While the tennis world wishes both Sinner and Draper a swift recovery, their withdrawals underscore the brutal physical demands of elite-level tennis, especially at the Grand Slam stage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 11:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).