The tennis world is counting down the days until the US Open begins in New York, the final Grand Slam of the season. The bright lights of Flushing Meadows are set to welcome the sport's biggest stars, and most of them have already arrived in the United States. They have been competing in Cincinnati and other warm-up events, fine-tuning their games and building the physical stamina required for seven best-of-five-set matches over two grueling weeks. Yet noticeably absent from the American hard-court swing are two of the most prominent names on the men's tour: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Both are battling physical problems, leaving their participation and readiness for the year's last major tournament in serious question.
The US Open has traditionally been a stage where championships are defined by resilience as much as skill. Players who lift the trophy in New York must combine explosive tennis with remarkable endurance. That is why the preparation period is so crucial, and why the recent setbacks for Sinner and Alcaraz have set off alarm bells among fans and analysts alike. While other contenders are gathering match rhythm in Cincinnati, the world No. 1 and the defending champion are on entirely different paths, focused more on recovery than on rallying.
Jannik Sinner's Dense Schedule Finally Takes Its Toll
Jannik Sinner's calendar has always been packed, even before he ascended to the top of the ATP rankings. For years, the Italian made the Toronto or Montreal Masters and Cincinnati events mandatory stops in the lead-up to the US Open. This season, however, he has broken with that routine in a way that speaks volumes about his physical condition. Sinner skipped the Canadian Open, officially citing a need for physical and mental load management after a demanding first half of the year. At that point, his decision was seen as cautious but understandable. He had just completed a successful clay and grass campaign, and the thought of a refreshed Sinner arriving in New York was a mouth-watering prospect for his supporters.
But then came the withdrawal from Cincinnati, and the tone shifted. Reports emerged that Sinner was dealing with an inflammation in his right knee. The issue is not considered severe, but it has been persistent enough to force the Italian to alter his plans. Instead of heading to Ohio to defend his title at the Cincinnati Masters, Sinner stayed in Europe. He spent the Ferragosto holiday in Italy undergoing treatment at JMedical in Turin, a facility known for its cutting-edge sports medicine. The timing is less than ideal, as Sinner celebrated his birthday in Monte Carlo with family, but the focus was clearly on rehabilitation rather than celebration.
According to sources close to the Italian, his participation in the US Open is not yet in doubt. He is expected to travel to New York and compete, but there is significant concern about his level of readiness. Sinner's last official match was more than two weeks ago, and he has not been able to train at full intensity since the knee issue surfaced. The world No. 1 is a player who thrives on rhythm and repetition. His game is built around clean ball-striking and relentless movement, both of which require a sound body. Missing crucial weeks of preparation at this stage of the season is far from ideal, and it could leave him vulnerable in the early rounds against a deep field of hungry opponents.
Carlos Alcaraz's Struggles Are More Serious
While Sinner's situation is concerning, the physical condition of Carlos Alcaraz is considerably more alarming. The Spanish sensation has not played since April, when a tendon injury in his right wrist forced him to stop. What was initially expected to be a short layoff has turned into a protracted absence that has already cost him two Grand Slam appearances. Alcaraz missed both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, events where he was the defending champion. His absence from those tournaments was a massive blow to the tennis calendar and left a void in the men's draw.
Alcaraz is the reigning US Open champion, having captured his first New York title last September in a thrilling final. That victory marked his second Grand Slam triumph after his breakthrough at the 2022 US Open and his Wimbledon victory in 2023. The tennis world has become accustomed to seeing Alcaraz fight for the biggest trophies, and his relentless style, complete with jaw-dropping drop shots and explosive forehands, has made him one of the most exciting players on tour. His extended absence has been felt across the sport, and the prospect of him missing the US Open as well is a scenario that organizers and fans dread.
The latest rumors coming from Spain suggest that Alcaraz may indeed skip the final Grand Slam of the season. Although he resumed light training a few weeks ago, he is reportedly not yet ready for the demands of competitive tennis. A best-of-five-set tournament is the ultimate test of physical and mental durability, and medical advisors are said to be wary of rushing him back too soon. After already pulling out of Cincinnati, Alcaraz could decide to give himself another month of recovery before making his return to the tour. Such a decision would be prudent in the long term but would mark a significant blow to his ranking and to the US Open draw.
A Race for the Top Heats Up Without Them
The potential absence or diminished form of Sinner and Alcaraz would have major implications for the men's field at the US Open. Both players are considered the leading figures of the new generation, and their battles have become the defining rivalry in men's tennis. Sinner, with his powerful baseline game and ice-cold demeanor, and Alcaraz, with his fiery passion and creative shot-making, represent the future of the sport. Their presence in a Grand Slam draw elevates the entire event, and their absence creates opportunities for others.
Players like Daniil Medvedev, who has won the US Open before and has been in strong form on hard courts, would see his chances improve significantly. Alexander Zverev, who recently returned to the top echelon, is another contender who would welcome an open draw. Novak Djokovic, despite his age, is still a formidable force, and he has already proven he can win Grand Slams without facing both of his younger rivals. The prospect of a US Open without a fully fit Sinner or Alcaraz is one that the veterans on tour will view with great interest.
For Sinner, the immediate concern is managing the knee inflammation without compromising his long-term health. The Italian has been under immense scrutiny since he became world No. 1, and every physical issue is now magnified. He has a team of trusted medical specialists around him, and they will likely monitor the inflammation day by day. If he takes the court in New York, it will be with a clear plan to protect his knee while still competing at the highest level. The fact that he has not played a competitive match in weeks means he may need a few rounds to find his range, but his talent is such that he can never be counted out.
Alcaraz's situation is more nuanced. The wrist is a delicate area for a tennis player, especially for someone who relies on explosive forehand power. Rushing back too early could cause re-injury and lead to another extended layoff. The Spaniard's team will be cautious, and they may decide that skipping the US Open is the best option for his career. While it would be disappointing for fans, it would allow Alcaraz to regroup and return to the tour in the fall with a clear conscience and a healthy body. The 21-year-old has already achieved more than most players do in a lifetime, and he will have many more opportunities to add to his Grand Slam collection.
The build-up to the US Open has been overshadowed by these fitness concerns, but the tournament itself promises to deliver high drama regardless. Tennis is a sport that thrives on adversity, and both Sinner and Alcaraz have shown time and again that they can overcome physical setbacks. Their journeys in the coming days will be watched closely by millions, and their decisions will shape the narrative of the year's final major. Whether they play at full strength, play at less than 100 percent, or withdraw entirely, the US Open will go on, and new stories will be written on the hard courts of New York.
Source: Ilmessaggero News