World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open after suffering a right knee injury, putting another question mark over his preparations for the US Open. The Italian player has not played competitively since defending his Wimbledon title last month and had already skipped the Canadian Open. His latest withdrawal means he will miss another important hard-court event ahead of the season’s final Grand Slam. Sinner confirmed the decision after consulting his doctors and team. “After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati,” he said in a statement released by tournament officials.
Explaining the reason behind the decision, Sinner said, “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.” He admitted that missing Cincinnati was disappointing, saying, “I’m very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati.” However, the 24-year-old remains focused on making a return at the US Open. “I can’t wait to be back next year and I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open,” he added. The US Open begins on August 30, leaving Sinner with limited time to regain full fitness. His absence also follows Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal, meaning Cincinnati will be without the world’s top two players.
Jannik Sinner’s injury raises questions over US Open campaign
Jannik Sinner’s latest injury setback has raised concerns over his preparations for the US Open, with the world No. 1 withdrawing from the Cincinnati Open because of a right knee problem. The Italian has already missed the Canadian Open, meaning he will arrive at the final Grand Slam of the season without playing a hard-court tournament in North America since Wimbledon.The timing is significant, as the US Open begins on August 30. Sinner, who won his maiden New York Grand Slam title in 2024, was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s final. He will therefore be looking to reclaim the crown this year.
His lack of match practice could become a concern. Sinner has played only Wimbledon since the start of this latest stretch, where he successfully captured his fifth Grand Slam title. However, his decision to skip Cincinnati suggests that recovering fully is currently more important than gaining additional competitive preparation. Sinner said his right knee had been bothering him and that, despite working extensively with his medical team, he was “not ready to compete yet.” He also confirmed that his focus is now on getting ready for the US Open. With Alcaraz also sidelined by a wrist injury, the fitness of both leading contenders will be a major storyline heading into New York.
