US Open Double Shock: Two Top Players Withdraw from the Tournament

US Open Set for Double Shock as Two Top Players Pull Out

The US Open is bracing for a double whammy as two of its top stars, world number one Jannik Sinner and Britain's Jack Draper, have pulled out of the tournament through injury. Sinner, who won the US Open title in 2024, has not played competitively since winning the Wimbledon title in July and is dealing with a knee problem.

Sinner's Withdrawal Denies Alcaraz Rivalry

Sinner's decision 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. "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," Sinner said.

Sinner's withdrawal means the pair have not both been present at the past three Grand Slams, with Alcaraz's wrist problem forcing him out of the French Open and Wimbledon. Sinner's absence will deny fans another episode of the Alcaraz rivalry, which has produced a clean sweep of the Grand Slam titles in 2024 and 2025.

Draper's Career Derailed by Long-Term Injury

Draper, who lost to Sinner in the 2024 US Open semi-finals, has withdrawn due to a long-term arm injury that has stalled his progress. The 24-year-old Briton has been dealing with a complicated injury that has stopped him generating power on his big serve and forehand.

Scans last year showed Draper had bruising in his humerus – the bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow – in his left arm. He tried to play through the discomfort but withdrew from last year's US Open before his second-round match. Draper's game is anchored by a big serve and forehand, and the injury has taken a toll on his career.

Tennis Stars Prioritize Long-Term Gain

Sinner's withdrawal is seen as another example of a top star taking the short-term pain of missing a marquee event in order for the long-term gain of protecting their body in an ever-demanding sport. Draper knows all about making that call, having taken time away from playing and allowing his injury to heal.

The patience which Draper has been required to show with an injury for which there is no quick fix is wearing thin and taking its toll emotionally. Injuries will always be part and parcel of elite sport, but the glut of physical issues for several leading players will continue to raise questions about whether tennis is doing enough to protect its stars from reaching breaking point.

The US Open singles main draws are set to start on Sunday 30 August, with Germany's Alexander Zverev as the top seed, ahead of Alcaraz and Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner 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.

Source: JOY