Key Takeaways
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Jannik Sinner withdrew from the US Open 2026 due to a right knee injury
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Medical checks in Turin showed no serious clinical concerns despite limited training
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Expected return between Beijing and Shanghai tournaments in late September
A season of highs and physical setbacks
Jannik Sinner has enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season, winning six titles including Wimbledon and compiling a 44-3 record. Yet physical issues have repeatedly interrupted his progress. At the Australian Open he battled cramps, while at Roland Garros he suffered dizziness and fatigue before losing unexpectedly. Despite recovering to triumph at Wimbledon, a knee problem soon emerged, forcing him to miss Montreal and Cincinnati before confirming his absence from New York.
Details of the knee injury
According to Sky Sport Italy, Sinner underwent treatment at J Medical in Turin before returning to Monte Carlo to test his knee. The sessions revealed that his knee did not respond well even to limited stress. “I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue,” Sinner admitted, explaining why he chose not to risk his long-term fitness for one event. Medical checks showed no alarming damage, but the inability to train at high intensity since Wimbledon made competing in a best-of-five Grand Slam impossible.
Expert warnings and workload concerns
Former British player Annabel Croft described the withdrawal as “quite a shock”, pointing to the demanding schedule that may have caught up with him. She highlighted Roland Garros as a turning point, noting there was “not much left in the tank” after his long run of tournaments. His coach Simone Vagnozzi also reminded observers that top players “aren’t robots,” emphasizing the combined effects of heat, fatigue, and tension.
Former world No. 12 Paolo Bertolucci issued a stronger warning: “You can’t show up at this level if the previous issue hasn’t been resolved,” stressing that rushing back could end Sinner’s season prematurely.
Looking ahead to the Asian swing
Sinner’s absence reshapes the US Open draw, where he was champion in 2024 and finalist last year. His return is expected between Beijing and Shanghai at the end of September, with the China Open already on his schedule. The Italian will aim to finish the season strongly, aware that rivals like Carlos Alcaraz could close the gap in the rankings if his recovery takes longer than planned.
Jannik Sinner in 2026
Ranked no.1, the Italian played his last match on the 12th of July when he defeated world no.3 Alexander Zverev 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon to win his 31st career title.
This season Jannik achieved a composed 44-3 win-loss record. Jannik clinched 6 titles in 2026 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.
