The 2026 US Open opens with a stunning absence at the top of the men’s game. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the tournament due to injury, removing the defending finalist and one of the sport’s most consistent performers from the draw entirely.
## A Void at the Top
Sinner reached last year’s final before losing to Carlos Alcaraz, and his continued dominance through the season made him the man to beat heading into New York. His withdrawal instantly reshuffles expectations for who lifts the trophy.
## Who Benefits Most
– Alexander Zverev, now the new No. 1 seed, gets a clearer path deep into the second week
– Alcaraz faces less pressure from Sinner specifically, though his own injury return remains the bigger storyline
– Younger contenders and in-form players get a rare opening at the top of a men’s Slam draw
## Ripple Effects Across the Draw
Sinner’s absence changes seeding logic throughout the bracket, softening potential quarterfinal and semifinal matchups for players who might otherwise have faced him. It also puts more scrutiny on the physical toll of the modern ATP calendar, a theme that echoes broader conversations about player workload and scheduling.
## What Comes Next
Expect heavy discussion of the revised bracket odds once the singles draw is finalized in the days before play begins. For a full look at who now carries the highest expectations, see our piece on Alexander Zverev’s case as the new world No. 1. Sinner’s camp has not confirmed a return timeline, leaving his form for the rest of the season, and his ranking points defense, an open question that will linger well past the final in New York.