Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked men’s tennis player globally, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee injury. Sinner, who last competed at Wimbledon where he clinched his second consecutive title, also withdrew from the National Bank Open in Montreal, which commenced the previous week. The 24-year-old Sinner boasts five Grand Slam victories and is only a French Open win away from achieving a career Grand Slam.
In a statement released by tournament officials, the Italian player expressed his disappointment over the decision, citing ongoing discomfort in his right knee despite efforts by his medical team. Sinner revealed that he is not yet fit to compete and is now setting his sights on preparing for the upcoming U.S. Open.
Following Sinner’s withdrawal, Carlos Alcaraz also announced his decision to skip the Cincinnati event due to a persistent wrist injury. With both top-ranked players absent, fans in Cincinnati will miss out on watching the world’s top two players when the men’s singles action kicks off on Saturday.
Sinner, who previously claimed the Cincinnati title two years ago, typically uses the tournament as a preparation ground before the U.S. Open, where he emerged victorious in the past. However, last year, Alcaraz defeated Sinner in the U.S. Open final, and the 23-year-old Spaniard is gearing up to defend his title as the main draw of the tournament commences on August 30.