Injured Sinner and Draper withdraw from US Open

World number one Jannik Sinner and Britain's Jack Draper have withdrawn from the upcoming US Open through injury, the BBC reported. The news is a major blow to the tournament in New York and to Italian tennis, which had hoped to see its top player lead the field at Flushing Meadows.

Sinner's absence leaves a significant gap at the top of the men's draw. The Italian has been the dominant force in men's tennis over the past year, and his withdrawal reshapes the tournament's outlook. The BBC did not specify the nature or severity of the injury, only that it forced him to pull out.

For Italian tennis, the loss is keenly felt. Sinner's rise has been central to a resurgence of interest in the sport in Italy, and his absence from the year's final Grand Slam raises questions about his fitness heading into the autumn circuit.

The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, will now proceed without its top seed. Sinner's withdrawal is the latest in a series of injury setbacks that have disrupted the men's tour in 2026. The BBC's report confirmed both Sinner and Draper were forced out, though it offered no further detail on the injuries.

Sinner's absence is particularly significant for the draw's balance of power. With the world number one out, the tournament opens up for the remaining top seeds, including Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, who will now be favoured to reach the latter stages. The Italian's hard-court credentials — he won the Australian Open earlier this year — made him a natural title contender in New York.

For Italian tennis, the timing is unfortunate. Sinner's success has driven record attendance and broadcast interest in the sport at home, and his matches have become appointment viewing. His withdrawal means Italian fans will have to wait for the indoor season to see their champion back on court, assuming his recovery proceeds without further complications.

The BBC's report did not indicate when Sinner might return, leaving his participation in the autumn Masters events in doubt. The tennis calendar moves quickly, and a prolonged absence could affect his ranking lead. For now, the focus will be on his rehabilitation and the hope that the injury is not serious enough to derail a season that began with Grand Slam glory.