Jannik Sinner has been one of the biggest absences from this year's US Open, but while the final Grand Slam of the season has unfolded without him, the Italian has found some interesting ways to spend his time away from the tennis court.
The reigning Wimbledon champion has been sidelined with a knee injury that forced him to miss the entire North American hard-court swing. After last playing at Wimbledon, Sinner skipped the Canadian Open and Cincinnati, moves that initially appeared to be precautionary as he managed his recovery.
He eventually made the difficult decision to withdraw from the US Open as well, meaning he will not get the opportunity to defend his title in New York. It was another major blow for a player who has become accustomed to battling Carlos Alcaraz for Grand Slam trophies, with the Spaniard also missing part of the season because of injury.
But Sinner has not disappeared from the sporting scene entirely. While his rivals have been fighting for the US Open title in New York, the World No. 1 has been spotted at two major sporting events in Italy.
Sinner swaps the tennis court for Formula 1
One of Sinner's first notable appearances came at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he attended the Formula 1 race with his father. The appearance was hardly surprising given the Italian's well-known passion for cars and Formula 1.
Sinner was also joined by fellow Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini, who had already been eliminated from the US Open after losing to Mariano Navone in the second round. The two tennis stars were among a long list of Italian sporting and cultural figures present at Monza, with Sinner attracting plenty of attention away from his usual surroundings.
Jannik Sinner with Peggy Gou and Matteo Berrettini ❤️
— jannik sinner files (@jannik_files) September 6, 2026
📸 Mark Sutton pic.twitter.com/OQNzQ9BB5S
Asked about the knee during his appearance, Sinner offered a brief but encouraging update, saying it was “all good.” The low-key World No. 1, however, did not go into further detail about his recovery and instead focused on enjoying the race.
The appearance also offered a reminder that Sinner's absence from the US Open does not mean he has stepped away from sport altogether. Instead, he has been able to watch some of Italy's biggest sporting events while continuing his recovery away from competition.
Jannik Sinner has arrived at the Monza Paddock 🏎️🏁
— jannik sinner files (@jannik_files) September 6, 2026
🎥 Sky Sport pic.twitter.com/GNJsAkGy6J
From Monza to San Siro's biggest rivalry
Sinner's sporting week did not end with Formula 1. Later, he was a special guest at the Juventus-Milan match, taking his place in the front row during the warm-up of both teams.
The appearance had an additional personal connection. Sinner is a well-known AC Milan supporter and was greeted by Gerry Cardinale, the club's president, before receiving a personalized Milan shirt with his name and the No. 1 on the back.
It was another high-profile appearance for Sinner at a time when he would normally have been competing at the US Open. Instead of fighting for another Grand Slam trophy in New York, the Italian has spent the tournament period watching other sports and supporting his favorite team while his knee recovers.
Un campione 𝐹𝑂𝑅𝑀𝐼𝐷𝐴𝐵𝐿𝐸 allo Stadium 🤩🥕
— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) September 6, 2026
Cuore rossonero 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙠 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 🔴⚫️#JuventusMilan #SerieAEnilive #DAZN pic.twitter.com/FhwUMdVXng
Sinner's No. 1 ranking remains safe for now
Despite the frustration of missing another Grand Slam, Sinner does not face immediate danger of losing the World No. 1 ranking.
The Italian built a significant advantage over his closest challengers before the injury, leaving him with enough of a cushion that his absence from the US Open will not immediately cost him the top spot. Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz remain his closest pursuers, but neither can simply overtake him because of Sinner's lead.
That gives the 2026 US Open an unusual dynamic. For the first time in several Grand Slams, Sinner is watching rather than competing, while Alcaraz and the rest of the field fight for the trophy.
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Sinner's priority, however, is no longer New York. After missing the Canadian Open, Cincinnati and now the US Open, the Italian will continue focusing on his recovery and making sure the knee is ready before returning to competitive tennis.
Until then, the World No. 1 is finding other ways to remain close to the sporting action — from Formula 1 at Monza to a Milan appearance at one of Italian football's biggest fixtures.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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