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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of a troublesome right knee.
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The defending 2024 champion has also missed the recent Masters 1000 event in Toronto.
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Sinner is now focusing on recovering in time for the US Open, which begins on August 30.
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World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will also miss Cincinnati as he continues to recover from a wrist injury.
August 10, (THEWILL) — World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open after suffering a troublesome right knee injury, raising concerns over his preparations for the US Open later this month.
Sinner, who won the Cincinnati tournament in 2024, announced his decision on Sunday after consulting with his medical team and his support staff. The Italian said he was disappointed to miss the Masters 1000 tournament but accepted that he was not yet ready to compete.
“After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati.
Sinner said in a statement released by the tournament. “My right knee has been bothering me, and even though we have been working hard with my medical team, I have to accept that I’m not ready to compete yet.”
The 24-year-old added that his immediate priority is now recovering fully ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.
“I’m very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati,” Sinner said. “I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open.”
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ANOTHER SETBACK FOR SINNER
The Cincinnati withdrawal is the latest setback to Sinner’s preparations for the US Open. The Italian also missed last week’s Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto, meaning he will enter the final Grand Slam without competing in either of the major hard-court events leading into the tournament.
Sinner has already missed several Masters 1000 tournaments this season, including events in Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Miami and Indian Wells.
Despite the interruptions to his schedule, Sinner enjoyed a remarkable Wimbledon campaign, defeating Carlos Alcaraz to claim his fifth Grand Slam title and further establish himself at the top of the men’s game.
His absence from Cincinnati will nevertheless give him less competitive preparation before the US Open, where he will attempt to reclaim the title he won in 2024.
READ ALSO: Carlos Alcaraz Ruled Out of Cincinnati Open as Wrist Injury Forces Withdrawal
ALCARAZ ALSO MISSING
Photo Credit Getty image
Sinner will not be the only leading player absent from Cincinnati, with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz also sitting out the tournament.
The Spaniard is continuing his recovery from a lingering wrist injury and is also looking ahead to the US Open, where he will be hoping to build on his victory over Sinner in last year’s final.
The absence of the top two players leaves Cincinnati without two of the biggest stars in men’s tennis just weeks before they are expected to renew their rivalry at Flushing Meadows.
US OPEN COMES INTO FOCUS
The US Open main draw begins on August 30, giving Sinner several weeks to recover and regain full fitness.
The Italian will now have to balance his desire for competitive preparation with the need to avoid aggravating the knee problem. Having already missed two consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments, his priority will be arriving in New York healthy enough to defend his position among the tournament favourites.
With both Sinner and Alcaraz dealing with injuries, the build-up to the final Grand Slam of the year has taken an unexpected turn, leaving fans waiting to see whether the two leading contenders will be fit and ready when the action begins in New York.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
