World number one, Jannik Sinner, and Britain’s Jack Draper have both pulled out of the upcoming US Open through injury.
The 25-year-old Sinner has not played competitively since winning the Wimbledon title in July and is dealing with a knee problem.
Sinner’s decision comes a day after his great rival Carlos Alcaraz announced he is competing at Flushing Meadows following a four-month absence with 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,” Sinner said.
Draper, who lost to the Italian in the 2024 US Open semi-finals, has withdrawn because of the long-term arm injury which has stalled the 24-year-old’s progress.
The former British number one was ranked inside the world’s top five when he suffered bone bruising in his left serving arm.
ALSO READ: Sinner beats Zverev to retain Wimbledon title
Draper looked primed to challenge the dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz, having won the biggest title of his career on the Indian Wells hard courts and reaching the Madrid Open final on the clay.
He has played just 16 matches in the past 12 months and missed all four Grand Slam tournaments this year.
Sinner claimed the second Grand Slam title of his career when he won the US Open in 2024 and reached the New York final again last year when he was beaten by Alcaraz.
He lifted his fifth career Grand Slam singles title by beating Alexander Zverev in the All England Club final.
“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,” Sinner added.
“I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart.”
Sinner and Alcaraz produced a clean sweep of the Grand Slam titles in 2024 and 2025, winning four majors apiece in a duopoly which has morphed into a generational duel.
However, the pair’s rivalry has been unable to reach the same heights and intensity.
