World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open in New York due to a right knee injury, just days before the Grand Slam tournament begins.
The 25-year-old Italian announced the decision on social media, revealing that he needs more time to recover after testing his fitness on court in Monte Carlo.
Sinner will stay in Europe to continue his rehabilitation and aims to return for the upcoming Asian swing, which includes tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai. Spain's Carlos Taberner will replace him in the main men's draw.
Social media announcement
Sinner shared his disappointment in a statement to fans, confirming the difficult choice to skip the event.
"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 wrote.
"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."
Grand Slam record
The withdrawal marks the first time Sinner has missed a Grand Slam tournament since turning professional in 2018.
He has won five Grand Slam titles in total, including the US Open two years ago and Wimbledon this summer. Sinner has dominated the 2026 season, winning the first five ATP Masters 1000 events, with two victories coming in the United States at Indian Wells and Miami.
Last year, Sinner reached the final in New York before falling in four sets to world number two Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster showdown.
The Spanish player is also recovering from a persistent wrist injury that kept him out for four months. However, Alcaraz announced last month that he would return to the court at the US Open to attempt to retain his title.
Surging ticket prices
Sinner's absence comes as tennis fans criticize the scandalous cost of tickets for this year's tournament at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Some fans hope his withdrawal will help bring prices down.
US Open fan week begins in two days, and the first round proper starts a week on Sunday.
According to tennis reporter Simon Cambers, the average get in entry on Ticketmaster sat at $363 as of August 18. This figure is significantly higher than the $262 average recorded at the same point in 2025.
This price buys a grounds pass, which allows fans to wander the facility and watch professional players on smaller courts, but it does not guarantee a seat in one of the main stadiums.
While the $363 figure reflects resale values on the secondary market, the United States Tennis Association has faced fury for raising the face value of a grounds pass from $60 to $65. High demand has pushed second hand sales into the hundreds of dollars.
International tournament comparisons
The New York prices stand in stark contrast to other major tournaments. A grounds pass for the first week of Wimbledon this summer reportedly cost £33, or $44.70.
At Roland Garros in Paris, passes were reportedly €39, or $45. For the upcoming 2027 Australian Open in Melbourne, they are priced at AUD$49, which equals $35.
The soaring costs in New York have sparked outrage among fans and commentators online.
"The U.S. Open is owned by the USTA which is a non-profit," Bill Ackman wrote on X. "The idea that a day one ground pass is $363 is absurd. The USTA’s mission is to promote the sport of tennis. How is a $363 ground pass consistent with this mission?"
Tennis reporter Hanlon Walsh also shared his frustration, reflecting on how costs have changed over the last decade.
"10 years ago, I paid $50 for a grounds pass on my first trip to the US Open and it was one of the best tennis days of my life. Wandered the grounds for 12 hours from match to match," Walsh shared. "It's a shame that the USO is now pricing out so many tennis fans from having similar experiences."
Fans echoed these sentiments, suggesting the event has shifted focus away from the sport itself.
"The US open has become influencer central and its all abt ppl going to say they went, not bc they care [about] tennis it's so lame," fumed one fan.
Another fan agreed, highlighting corporate ticket allocations. "And the US Open gives brands so many tickets. So they fly out influencers from all over North America to attend. Truly an event for the rich and well connected."
