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World No 1 Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the US Open with a knee injury just days before the start of the tournament in New York.

The huge blow for organizers was announced in a statement on social media, in which the Italian wrote: 'Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year.

'We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue.

'I'm obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there.'

Sinner turned pro in 2018 and has never missed a Grand Slam tournament in his entire career, winning five in total - including the US Open two years ago and Wimbledon this summer.

The 25-year-old has been dominant so far in 2026, winning the first five ATP Masters 1000 events, two of which in the US in Indian Wells and Miami.

Jannik Sinner will miss a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his professional career

World No 1 Sinner has revealed he needs more time to recover from an injury with his right knee

He reached the final in New York last year, eventually falling in four sets to world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster showdown.

Alcaraz himself has been struck down by injury but announced last month that he would be returning to the court at the US Open following four months out.

The Spaniard has been struggling with a persistent wrist injury but now looks set to finally get back to the top level, where he will attempt to retain his title at the US Open next month.

The US Open's fan week begins in just two days' time, before the first round proper starts a week on Sunday.

Sinner, meanwhile, is set to stay in Europe to continue his recovery, and he will attempt to return for the Asian swing and upcoming tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai.

The Italian will be replaced in the main men's draw by Spain's Carlos Taberner.

Tennis fans in New York will hope that Sinner's absence from the tournament will bring prices down, after complaints about the 'scandalous' ticket costs.

As of August 18, prices were already more than last year's tournament with the average get-in entry sitting at $363 on Ticketmaster, compared to $262 at the same point in 2025, according to tennis reporter Simon Cambers.

Carlos Alcaraz will be back on court in New York after four months out with a wrist injury

That price is for a grounds pass entry, allowing fans to wander around the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and watch the pros playing on the smaller courts, and doesn't necessarily guarantee a seat in one of the main stadiums.

While that figure is representative of resale prices, the US Tennis Association did also attract fury by raising the face value of a grounds pass for this year's tournament from $60 to $65 with the high-demand pushing second-hand sales into the hundreds.

In comparison, a grounds pass for the first week of Wimbledon earlier this summer was reportedly £33 ($44.70).

At Roland Garros it was reportedly €39 ($45) and for the upcoming Australian Open in 2027 they are priced at AUD$49 ($35).

The prices for the US Open have sparked outrage among fans online with many hitting out at the outrageous cost.

Plenty of celebrities are likely to descend on New York, as ticket prices continue to soar

'The U.S. Open is owned by the USTA which is a non-profit,' Bill Ackman wrote on X. 'The idea that a day one ground pass is $363 is absurd. The USTA’s mission is to promote the sport of tennis. How is a $363 ground pass consistent with this mission?'

'10 years ago, I paid $50 for a grounds pass on my first trip to the US Open and it was one of the best tennis days of my life. Wandered the grounds for 12 hours from match to match,' tennis reporter Hanlon Walsh shared. 'It's a shame that the USO is now pricing out so many tennis fans from having similar experiences.'

'The US open has become influencer central and its all abt ppl going to say they went, not bc they care [about] tennis it's so lame,' fumed one fan.

Another agreed, sharing: 'And the US Open gives brands so many tickets. So they fly out influencers from all over North America to attend. Truly an event for the rich and well connected.'