Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and reigning Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from the 2026 US Open due to a right knee injury, dealing a significant blow to the men's singles draw at Flushing Meadows. Britain's Jack Draper has also pulled out of the tournament, citing a persistent arm injury that has disrupted much of his season.

Sinner's Withdrawal: What He Said

Sinner, who has not competed since claiming his fifth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last month, confirmed the decision after returning to the practice court in Monte Carlo. Despite working closely with his team and medical staff, he concluded that he required additional recovery time.

'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 said. He added: '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.'

The Rivalry With Alcaraz Takes Another Hit

Sinner's withdrawal comes just one day after his primary rival, Carlos Alcaraz, confirmed his participation at Flushing Meadows — the Spaniard returning after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. The timing means the sport's most compelling rivalry will again fail to materialise at a Grand Slam.

Together, Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated men's tennis over the past two seasons, winning all eight Grand Slam titles between them in 2024 and 2025. Three of the four major finals last year featured the pair, and they also met at the ATP Finals. In 2026, however, they have faced each other only once — Sinner defeating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final in April, reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking in the process.

Context: A Disrupted 2026 Season

The rivalry's momentum has been undermined by a series of injury absences. Sinner was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, ending any prospect of a fourth consecutive Grand Slam final between the two. Alcaraz subsequently missed both the French Open and Wimbledon due to his wrist injury.

Sinner had been aiming to defend his 2024 US Open title — a tournament where he also reached the final the year before, losing to Alcaraz, before going on to win Wimbledon by defeating Alexander Zverev.

Draper's Season Further Derailed

Jack Draper, who had been among the more promising names in the draw, has been forced to withdraw due to a long-term arm injury that has significantly hampered his 2026 season. His absence adds to a growing list of high-profile withdrawals from the men's singles field ahead of the tournament.

With both Sinner and Draper out, the US Open 2026 men's draw faces a notably weakened top end — though Alcaraz's return ensures at least one marquee name remains in contention.