Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked male tennis player globally, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee injury, as confirmed on Sunday. Sinner, who last played during his consecutive Wimbledon triumphs last month, also opted out of the National Bank Open in Montreal that kicked off the previous week. At 24 years old, Sinner boasts five Grand Slam victories and is only a French Open win away from achieving the coveted career Grand Slam.
In a statement relayed by tournament officials, the Italian player expressed, “After discussions with my medical team, I regret to announce my withdrawal from the Cincinnati Masters 1000 event. Despite intensive efforts, my right knee remains a concern, and I acknowledge that I am not yet fit to compete. I am disappointed to miss the Cincinnati tournament but look forward to returning next year and am now concentrating on preparing for the upcoming U.S. Open.”
Sinner’s decision to withdraw mirrors that of Carlos Alcaraz, who also cited a persistent wrist injury in withdrawing from the Cincinnati hard-court competition earlier last week. Consequently, tennis enthusiasts in Cincinnati will be deprived of witnessing the top two male players at the commencement of the men’s singles matches this Saturday. Notably, Sinner clinched the Cincinnati title two years ago, a key event leading up to the U.S. Open, which he subsequently won.
In the previous year, Alcaraz bested Sinner in a four-set showdown to claim the U.S. Open title, dethroning the Italian player. The 23-year-old Spanish player is set to defend his title when the main tournament begins on August 30.