Sinner Withdraws from U.S. Open Due to Knee Injury, Alcaraz Now Top Contender

World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the U.S. Open because of a persistent knee injury, removing a key contender from the Grand Slam event. His decision follows missed appearances in other important tune-up tournaments. Carlos Alcaraz now emerges as the highest-ranked player entering the competition.

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has announced his withdrawal from the U.S. Open due to a troubling right knee injury. This development comes as a significant loss to the tournament, which will run from August 23 to September 13 in New York City.

Sinner's decision to step back follows his earlier withdrawals from the Cincinnati and Canadian Opens, key events leading up to the final Grand Slam of the year. "Despite rigorous attempts at recovery alongside my team, I've reluctantly concluded I can't compete this year," Sinner shared in a statement.

The absence of Sinner, who clinched his fifth major title at Wimbledon recently, shifts the spotlight to world number two Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who has returned from a four-month injury hiatus, now stands primed to capitalize on the missing rivalry in his quest for another Grand Slam victory.