Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper withdraw from US Open 2026

World number one Jannik Sinner and Britain's Jack Draper withdrew from the upcoming US Open due to injuries. Sinner has not played competitively since winning the Wimbledon title in July and is dealing with a knee problem. The Italian's decision came just a day after his great rival, Carlos Alcaraz, announced he would play at Flushing Meadows following a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. "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," said Sinner.

Draper, who lost to Sinner in the 2024 US Open semi-finals, withdrew because of a long-term arm injury that has disrupted his progress. The 24-year-old former British number one was once ranked within the world's top five when he suffered from bone bruising in his left serving arm. Draper, who looked set to challenge the dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz after winning the biggest title of his career at the Indian Wells and reaching the Madrid Open final, has played just 16 matches in the past 12 months, missing all four Grand Slam tournaments this year.

Sinner claimed his second Grand Slam title by winning the US Open in 2024 and reached the final again last year, only to lose to Alcaraz. He also defended his Wimbledon title this year but has struggled with injuries since. "We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realized I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue," he added. Sinner expressed his sadness about missing the event, stating, "New York has a special place in my heart." The absence of Sinner means he and Alcaraz have not both participated in the last three Grand Slams, with Alcaraz also missing the French Open and Wimbledon due to injury.

Both players have not been able to face each other at the Grand Slam level since April's Monte Carlo final, which Sinner won, allowing him to return to the top of the world rankings. Now, without Sinner, Germany's Alexander Zverev will be the top seed at the US Open, followed by Alcaraz and Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime as the third seed. The singles main draws for the US Open start on Sunday, August 30.

Draper's ongoing arm injury, described as "complicated," has made it challenging for him to regain the necessary strength and power for his game. Initially, he attempted to continue playing but withdrew from last year’s US Open before his second-round match. He later opted for a break to facilitate recovery which extended into this year, resulting in missed opportunities at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Draper returned briefly but faced tears and disappointment in matches, leading him to decide to take additional time away from the tour for recovery.