Just a day after reports emerged that Jannik Sinner might be ready to compete at the US Open after hitting the practice courts in Monte Carlo, the Italian has announced disappointing news for tennis fans.

Taking to Instagram, Sinner revealed that he will be pulling out of this year’s US Open due to a knee issue.

“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. 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.

“I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there.”

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Sinner’s decision comes nearly a day after Carlos Alcaraz announced that he will be playing in the year’s final Grand Slam. Alcaraz could also team up with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles event, which would give the Spaniard some much-needed match practice.

With Alcaraz playing the US Open without any prior tournament practice and Sinner pulling out, there is now a huge opportunity for players like Alexander Zverev to make their mark. Zverev, who was a finalist in New York back in 2020, already won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros this year. The German will surely fancy his chances in the current scenario.

Novak Djokovic, who appears to be struggling with his body more than ever, could also find his best form yet and clinch a much-awaited 25th Grand Slam title.

After Sinner’s withdrawal, the top-3 seeds at the US Open will be Zverev, Alcaraz, and Felix Auger-Aliassime respectively.

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