Jannik Sinner, the current top-ranked male tennis player globally, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee injury. Sinner, who hasn’t played since claiming his second consecutive Wimbledon title last month, also opted out of the National Bank Open in Montreal. The 24-year-old Sinner, holding five Grand Slam victories, only lacks a French Open win to achieve a career Grand Slam.
In a statement provided by tournament officials, the Italian player expressed his disappointment over withdrawing from the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. Sinner cited ongoing discomfort in his right knee despite efforts by his medical team to address the issue. He mentioned his anticipation of returning next year and shifting focus to preparing for the upcoming U.S. Open.
The decision by Sinner to skip Cincinnati follows a similar move by Carlos Alcaraz, who recently announced his withdrawal from the same tournament due to a persistent wrist injury. Consequently, fans attending the men’s singles competition in Cincinnati will miss witnessing the top two players in action.
Two years ago, Sinner clinched the Cincinnati title, a key lead-up event to the U.S. Open, which he subsequently won. However, last year saw Alcaraz defeating Sinner in a four-set match at the U.S. Open final, marking a shift in the competition. The 23-year-old Spanish player aims to defend his U.S. Open title as the main draw of the tournament commences on August 30.