The 2026 US Open commenced amid high anticipation, marked by record prize money and the distinctive atmosphere of New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium. The tournament has drawn significant attention with the return of Serena Williams to competitive tennis in the doubles event after a four-year hiatus, alongside an exhibition appearance by Roger Federer, generating excitement among fans. However, the event also underscores notable absences, with several prominent players sidelined due to injury.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will not participate in this year’s tournament after sustaining a knee injury, dealing a significant blow to the men’s field. The Italian, who claimed his second Wimbledon title in July and had dominated the Masters 1000 series earlier this year, was poised as a strong contender to secure a second US Open title. His withdrawal leaves the competition more open than usual, with top players such as Alexander Zverev, the recent French Open champion, and Novak Djokovic, a 39-year-old veteran still pursuing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam, remaining key figures in the men’s draw.
The defending US Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz, is returning to action following a significant wrist injury that sidelined him since April. Alcaraz’s first competitive match since the injury was in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams, where he wore a long sleeve covering his wrist, signaling ongoing concerns about his recovery. Given the physical demands of best-of-five set matches, questions remain about his ability to defend his title, contributing to the tournament’s unpredictability.
In addition to Sinner, British players Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu are among the notable absentees. Draper has struggled with a recurring arm injury that forced him out for much of the season, resulting in no appearances in the Grand Slams this year and a ranking drop to No. 141. His intermittent play through injury has left him without a protected ranking, complicating his return to main draws. Raducanu, who reached the final at Queen’s Club earlier this summer, withdrew due to a stress fracture in her right leg. Once inside the world’s top 30, she has slipped to No. 68 and faces challenges to maintain her ranking without consistent match play.
On the women’s side, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has experienced a significant dip in form. After relinquishing a lead in her quarter-final loss at Roland-Garros, she has been unable to advance beyond the last 16 in her subsequent three tournaments. Sabalenka now faces the prospect of losing her top ranking unless she captures the US Open title. Close behind her in the standings are Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Jess Pegula, any of whom could ascend to No. 1 by the tournament’s conclusion. Additionally, Iga Swiatek, having regained form over the summer, adds further depth to the field.
The combined effects of Sinner’s absence, Alcaraz’s injury, and Sabalenka’s decline in consistency have made the 2026 US Open one of the most open and unpredictable in recent years, offering opportunities for both emerging talents and established stars to make their mark on the final Grand Slam of the season.