Jannik Sinner, the current top-ranked player in men’s tennis worldwide, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee injury. The Italian player, who last competed at Wimbledon where he secured his second consecutive title, also opted out of the National Bank Open in Montreal last week. Sinner, aged 24, boasts five Grand Slam victories and aims to clinch the French Open to complete his career Grand Slam collection.
In a statement relayed by tournament officials, Sinner expressed regret at missing the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, citing ongoing discomfort in his right knee despite dedicated efforts with his medical team. He expressed anticipation for a return next year and is now concentrating on preparing for the upcoming U.S. Open. This decision aligns with Carlos Alcaraz’s recent withdrawal from the Cincinnati tournament due to a persistent wrist issue.
As a result of these withdrawals, spectators at the Cincinnati event will be deprived of watching the top two global players in action when the men’s singles competition commences this Saturday. Notably, Sinner claimed the Cincinnati title two years ago, using it as a stepping stone to secure victory at the subsequent U.S. Open. Conversely, Alcaraz overtook Sinner last year, defeating him in the U.S. Open final. The 23-year-old Spaniard is now gearing up to defend his championship when the tournament’s main draw kicks off on August 30.