US Open 2026 Men’s Draw: Sinner Out as Alcaraz Returns From Injury

US Open 2026 is heading into its men’s singles competition with an unusual sense of uncertainty. For the first time in several years, there is no clear-cut favourite dominating the conversation ahead of the season’s final Grand Slam.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn because of a persistent knee injury, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is returning to competitive singles after an extended absence caused by a wrist injury. Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic and several other top-10 players have also entered the tournament without ideal recent form.

Jannik Sinner misses the US Open

Sinner’s absence is one of the biggest developments heading into the tournament. The Italian, who won Wimbledon this year, will not compete in New York after pulling out because of a persistent knee problem.

His withdrawal immediately changes the complexion of the men’s draw. Sinner has been one of the dominant forces in men’s Tennis, and his absence removes one of the strongest contenders for the title.

Carlos Alcaraz returns after lengthy injury layoff

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will attract significant attention as he makes his return to competitive singles. The Spaniard has not played a competitive singles match since April because of a wrist injury.

Alcaraz has also not competed in a Grand Slam since winning the Australian Open. His decision to take an extended break was aimed at allowing the injury to recover properly rather than risking a premature return.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that returning directly to best-of-five-set tennis at a major tournament presents a major challenge. However, Alcaraz believes his team has prepared him sufficiently for the demanding tournament.

Novak Djokovic remains a major threat

Novak Djokovic arrives in New York with questions surrounding his recent form and physical condition. The 39-year-old has played only 20 tour matches during the year and suffered an early defeat in Cincinnati.

Extreme heat was also a concern for Djokovic during his Cincinnati campaign. Conditions in New York could provide another physical test, but the Serbian’s Grand Slam record means he cannot be dismissed.

Djokovic has already reached one Grand Slam final and one semifinal this year. With Sinner absent and Alcaraz returning from injury, the 24-time major champion could have another opportunity to chase a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Alexander Zverev enters as top seed

Alexander Zverev enters the US Open as the top seed and remains one of the most consistent performers at Grand Slam tournaments this season.

The German won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open and subsequently reached the Wimbledon final. He also made the Australian Open semifinal, giving him an impressive record across the four major tournaments.

However, his recent hard-court results have not been particularly encouraging. Zverev exited Toronto in his opening match and suffered another early defeat in Cincinnati.

Despite those results, his Grand Slam consistency makes him one of the leading contenders in New York. Interestingly, Zverev himself played down the idea that he is the clear favourite, suggesting that the entire field has a realistic chance.

Other top-10 players face their own questions

Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew from Toronto because of a back injury and managed two victories in Cincinnati. Flavio Cobolli has won four and lost three matches since Wimbledon, leaving his current form difficult to assess.

Alex de Minaur has struggled to progress deep into the North American hard-court swing, failing to advance beyond the quarterfinal stage.

Daniil Medvedev has endured an inconsistent stretch, losing his opening match at three of his last events, including the ATP 250 tournament in Winston-Salem.

Ben Shelton arrives with confidence after winning the Toronto title but immediately suffered an early defeat in Cincinnati. Taylor Fritz also showed contrasting form, winning in Washington before exiting early in Toronto.

Why the US Open 2026 could be unpredictable

The men’s field has rarely looked this open in recent years. The dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz has often made them the central figures at Grand Slam tournaments, but the current circumstances have created a very different landscape.

Sinner will not compete, while Alcaraz is attempting to find his rhythm after a lengthy absence. Djokovic remains dangerous but has played relatively little tennis, and Zverev enters after an inconsistent North American hard-court swing.

That combination means several players could realistically make a deep run. The opening rounds could therefore be particularly important, with fitness, match sharpness and the ability to handle five-set matches likely to play major roles.

A rare opportunity for the chasing pack

The uncertainty surrounding the leading contenders creates an opportunity for players outside the traditional favourites. Shelton, Fritz, Medvedev, de Minaur and other top-ranked competitors could take advantage if the leading names fail to find their best tennis.

For Djokovic, the tournament represents another chance to add to his remarkable Grand Slam record. For Zverev, it is an opportunity to build on his breakthrough French Open triumph. For Alcaraz, the priority will be proving that he can return to his best after the wrist injury.

With no overwhelming favourite entering the tournament, the US Open 2026 could produce one of the most unpredictable men’s Grand Slam campaigns in recent memory.