Jannik Sinner could return sooner than expected after exact injury behind US Open withdrawal revealed

Jannik Sinner's expected return to the tennis court after his surprise US Open withdrawal has emerged after his exact injury was confirmed.

Ahead of the US Open main draw beginning on Sunday, 30 August, world no. 1 Sinner confirmed that he would not be taking part in the final grand slam of the year.

"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," the 25-year-old posted on Instagram announcing the decision.

The Italian has been out of action since winning retaining the Wimbledon men's singles title, his first and only major win of the year.

His withdrawal was reportedly due to a mysterious knee injury that he picked up between Wimbledon and the US Open, with Sinner deliberately keeping his cards close to his chest about the exact injury and its severity.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, the injury isn't as severe as a season-ending knee lesion, but is instead inflammation that could allow him to return much sooner than many had expected.

Sinner's recovery plan reportedly advises that he must stay off the courts for at least eight days, meaning he cannot start practicing again fully until September 6th at the earliest.

However, it's likely that this period away from the court could be extended further as Sinner has already planned exactly when he will compete again.

The report claims that the 25-year-old has bookmarked the China Open in Beijing as a potential return, giving him until the event begins on September 30 to get back to full health.

Given the fact that he won the tournament last year, it's no surprise that China would be an event that Sinner wouldn't want to miss, as he will need to defend the full 500 points at the event, something that will become increasingly important following the return of Carlos Alacaraz.

But, he won't have to worry about facing his rival in Beijing, as Alcaraz is scheduled to play the Japan Open in the same week.

READ MORE: Roger Federer explains death of beloved tennis technique ahead of potential history at US Open

Who will win the 2026 US Open?

With the world number one out of the running, the 2026 US Open promises to be one of the most open tennis majors in some time.

Of course, Alcaraz's long-awaited return sees him topping the odds as the favourite to win the final major of the year.

That being said, given this will be his first tournament for four months due to a wrist injury, it's very possible that the Spaniard could underperform in New York, paving the way for several other players.

Novak Djokovic may have his best chance yet to finally claim a record 25^th Grand Slam title, having gone 11 Slams without a title.

Germany's Alexander Zverev will be hoping he can add a second major title to his total this season, having won the French Open, meanwhile Americans Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz will be hoping they can win a major on home soil.