Sinner’s withdrawal with a right knee injury has reshaped the men’s draw, removing the clear pre-tournament favorite and boosting implied probabilities for Zverev as the new top seed and defending champion Alcaraz. Zverev enters with strong recent hard-court results and Grand Slam final experience, while Alcaraz’s four-month absence raises questions about match readiness and potential minutes restrictions despite his proven US Open pedigree. Djokovic’s five prior titles and consistent deep runs provide veteran stability, though younger contenders like Shelton and Fritz benefit from home-court energy and solid summer form. Draw positioning, late-August heat, and any further injury updates will heavily influence which four players advance to the September 11 semifinals.