Jannik Sinner has confirmed that he will miss the US Open this year after failing to recover fully from a right knee issue. The world No. 1 had been hoping to return to action at Flushing Meadows, but after getting back on court in Monte Carlo over the past few days, he and his medical team decided that more recovery time was needed. The decision comes as a major disappointment for the Italian, who had been looking forward to competing in New York and returning to one of tennis’ biggest stages.
“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,” Sinner wrote in his statement. The withdrawal means the reigning US Open champion will be absent from this year’s tournament.
“Hopefully more than one”: Novak Djokovic eyes deep US Open run after Jannik Sinner withdraws due to knee injury
Novak Djokovic is heading into the US Open with a major opportunity in front of him after Jannik Sinner was ruled out and Carlos Alcaraz’s fitness remained a key talking point. The Serbian has already made it clear that he is not interested in simply being part of the tournament. With two of the biggest names in the draw facing different circumstances, the 24-time Grand Slam champion sees a chance to make another deep run in New York. Sinner’s absence is confirmed after the Italian withdrew from the US Open because of his right knee problem, while Alcaraz has only recently been cleared to return following a lengthy wrist injury layoff.
The situation leaves the door open for the veteran, who has spent much of the season managing his schedule and preparing specifically for the biggest events. Speaking about his US Open preparation, Djokovic said, “As far as my preparation goes for New York, this is great. Being able to participate at least in one tournament — a strong tournament — play one or more matches, hopefully more than one, get myself going.” His Cincinnati campaign did not go as planned, though, as he lost to Thiago Tirante in his opening match. Still, the Serbian’s experience on the hard courts of New York cannot be overlooked. With Sinner out and Alcaraz’s return coming after months away, Djokovic has a genuine opening to chase another US Open title.
