Jannik Sinner Told His Scheduling Perhaps ‘Cost Him’ Two Grand Slam Titles After US Open Withdrawal

Jannik Sinner will end the 2026 season with one Grand Slam title. Earlier this season at the Australian Open, eventual runner-up Novak Djokovic stunned him in the semifinals.

And then at the French Open, he was hit by full-body cramps, as a consequence of which he ended up losing to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in a dramatic fashion in the second round. At Wimbledon, however, Sinner ended his Grand Slam title drought by defeating Alexander Zverev. Now, he will skip the US Open due to a knee injury.

Sinner was formidable in the first five Masters 1000 events of the season, winning all of them and becoming the second man after Novak Djokovic to complete the Career Golden Masters after his win in Rome. But when such a performance was needed the most, that is, at the French Open, his body defeated him.

Reacting to Sinner’s withdrawal from the US Open, former WTA player Annabel Croft said his scheduling may be is the reason behind his physical setbacks, also pointing out how demanding the tour is physically.

It’s quite a shock, to be honest. We knew he hadn’t played the last couple of events, and he was resting, but that whole idea was to get ready for the US Open. It’s a big blow to tennis because it feels like a long time ago that we had [Carlos] Alcaraz and Sinner in the events together, and it feels like a great loss.

Annabel Croft said on Sky Sports

Sinner, however, focused only on playing his best at the US Open by choosing not to chase a record. He had the chance to become the first man in history to complete the Golden Masters, but he prioritized rest by skipping the Canadian Open.

When you think at the beginning of the year, when he won those five back-to-back Masters 1000 titles, which was absolutely exceptional and a phenomenal achievement, but when he got to Roland Garros, there was not much left in the tank, and it cost him perhaps the French Open title. Then we saw him rebound at Wimbledon, which he built with each match, but once again his body has let himself down.

Annabel Croft added

After his Canadian Open withdrawal, he was forced to skip the Cincinnati Masters because of his injury. He was the runner-up in both Cincinnati and New York last year, losing the matches to Alcaraz.

Annabel Croft misses Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner clashes

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz met six times last year, all in the finals. The World No.1 emerged victorious only at Wimbledon and the ATP Finals, while Alcaraz took home the Italian Open, Roland Garros, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open.

But this year, they have met just once, at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where the five-time Grand Slam champion prevailed. Sinner and Alcaraz, in fact, have not been a part of the same draw since the Monte Carlo event, and it will be the case at the US Open as well. Annabel Croft admitted she misses the clashes of the two arch-rivals.

It’s a long time since we had them in the same draw. They have become the new rivalry that everyone wants to see. I really don’t mind watching the same players compete all the time because those are the matches you really look forward to. It’s like watching a big boxing fight.

Annabel Croft told Sky Sports

Alcaraz, who has been on the sidelines since the Barcelona Open due to a wrist injury, has confirmed his participation at the US Open. He has so far won two titles from three finals this season.

Also read: Former British No.1 Makes Juan Carlos Ferrero Claim Ahead of Carlos Alcaraz’s Awaited US Open Comeback