Sinner & Draper out
Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper withdraw from US Open due to injuries
Jannik Sinner, the world number one, and Britain's Jack Draper have both withdrawn from the upcoming US Open due to injuries. Sinner, 25, has a knee problem and has not played competitively since winning the Wimbledon title in July.
According to the BBC, Sinner's decision to withdraw comes a day after his great rival Carlos Alcaraz announced he was playing at Flushing Meadows following a four-month absence with a wrist injury. Sinner stated that despite working hard with his team and medical staff, he will not be able to compete at the US Open this year.
Sinner absence denies another episode of Alcaraz rivalry
Sinner's withdrawal means that he and Alcaraz will not both be present at the US Open, with Alcaraz's wrist problem having previously forced him out of the French Open and Wimbledon. The two players have a long-standing rivalry, having produced a clean sweep of the Grand Slam titles in 2024 and 2025, winning four majors apiece.
The current world rankings are as follows:
| Player | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Jannik Sinner | 1 |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 2 |
| Felix Auger-Aliassime | 3 |
Draper unsure of return after 'tough period'
Draper, 24, has withdrawn from the US Open due to a long-term arm injury that has stalled his progress. The former British number one was ranked inside the world's top five when he suffered bone bruising in his left serving arm. Draper's representatives stated that he is "gutted" after what has clearly been a "tough period", and they do not know when he will be back competing.
Draper's injury has prevented him from generating power on his shots, and he has played just 16 matches in the past 12 months. He has missed all four Grand Slam tournaments this year and has not played a full season since 2024.
Analysis: Sinner plays long game as Draper continues to suffer
Sinner's withdrawal from the US Open is another example of a top star taking the short-term pain of missing a marquee event in order to protect their body in an ever-demanding sport. The Italian will spend more time having rehab and practice sessions at home in Monte Carlo as he targets a return to the ATP Tour for the Asian hard-court swing in October.
The US Open singles main draws start on Sunday, 30 August, with Germany's Alexander Zverev as the top seed, ahead of Alcaraz and Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime. The tournament will be without two of its biggest stars, but fans will still be eager to see the remaining players in action. Sinner's knee injury will continue to be monitored, and his return to the tour is eagerly anticipated.
