World number one Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the 2026 US Open in New York after being diagnosed with knee tendon inflammation. The 25-year-old Italian player withdrew from the hard-court Grand Slam tournament to undergo medical treatment in Europe.
Sky Sport Italia reported that Sinner was diagnosed with extra-articular inflammation of the tendon in his right knee. Doctors consider the condition to be the least severe form of such an injury.
The top seed is currently undergoing a one-week course of treatment at a specialized medical clinic in Turin, Italy. Although his physical condition would have allowed him to compete in New York, Sinner decided not to risk his health or his long-term career.
The US Open, held annually at Flushing Meadows in New York, is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the tennis calendar. Knee tendon inflammation, often triggered by intense competitive schedules on hard courts, requires rest to prevent structural damage.
Treatment and recovery plans
Sinner is expected to return to competitive play at the end of September. His schedule includes planned appearances at ATP Tour tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai during the autumn Asian swing.
The Chinese swing forms a key part of the men's tennis circuit late in the season, leading up to the year-end ATP Finals.
The decision marks the first time in Sinner's career that he has withdrawn from a Grand Slam tournament. He last competed on July 12, when he defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev to win the Wimbledon title on grass in London.
Grand Slam record
Sinner is a five-time Grand Slam champion. He captured the US Open title in 2024 and reached the final in New York last season, where he finished as runner-up to Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.
Both Alcaraz and Zverev remain among the leading contenders on the global tennis circuit, with Sinner's withdrawal opening up the men's singles draw at Flushing Meadows.
