'Sad and disappointed' Sinner to miss first Grand Slam in seven years

Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis champion, will miss the upcoming US Open due to a persistent knee injury. This marks his first absence from a Grand Slam tournament since 2019. The 25-year-old, currently ranked top, withdrew from the prestigious event after failing to heal from the right knee problem that has plagued him since his Wimbledon title win.

Sinner had recently claimed the US Open title, defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling match. However, he decided to pull out of the hard-court tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati that typically serve as preparation for the US Open. Despite his team and medical staff's efforts, Sinner was not ready to compete when the main draw commenced on August 30.

In a candid message on social media, the stoic athlete admitted his disappointment and sadness, expressing how much he had anticipated returning to New York. He fondly recalled his victory at the US Open in 2024, where he beat Carlos Alcaraz, and lamented how he had been unable to defend his title earlier this year.

The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has been the talk of the tennis world in recent times, with both players facing off in the final matches of the last three Grand Slams. Alcaraz, who is sidelined with a wrist injury, has reassured fans that he is set to return to action in New York. This absence is a significant blow to Sinner, who has been in stellar form with six titles this year. His journey to this point has not been without challenges, as he famously wilted at the French Open earlier this summer.