In a crushing blow to the US Open draw, Italian sensation Jannik Sinner has been forced to withdraw from the final Grand Slam of the year due to a severe hip injury.
The world number eight, who many tipped as a genuine title contender, will also miss the entire North American hard-court swing, including the crucial ATP Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati.
A Gruelling Season Takes Its Toll
The injury is believed to have been exacerbated during Sinner's epic Wimbledon semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic, a brutal five-set battle that pushed both athletes to their physical limits. Despite showing incredible resilience during that match, the damage to his hip has proven too significant to overcome in time for the US Open.
Sinner's team released a statement confirming the disappointing news, stating the primary focus is now on complete recovery and rehabilitation.
Alcaraz and Djokovic's Path Clears
Sinner's absence significantly alters the landscape of the men's tournament in New York. As one of the few players to have consistently challenged both Djokovic and the reigning champion, Carlos Alcaraz, his withdrawal removes a major obstacle from their path to the final.
The Italian had established himself as a formidable force on the ATP Tour this season, claiming three titles and cementing his status as a top-ten mainstay. His powerful baseline game and improved tactical awareness made him a nightmare matchup for any opponent.
Focus Turns to Recovery
There is no official timeline for Sinner's return to the court. The focus for the 21-year-old will be on a careful and methodical rehabilitation process to ensure the hip injury is fully healed before he makes his competitive comeback.
This setback serves as a stark reminder of the immense physical demands placed on modern tennis players and how quickly a season's trajectory can change.
