Tennis: World No. 1 Sinner Withdraws from Cincinnati Masters Due to Knee Injury

World number one Jannik Sinner is facing a significant setback in his preparation for the US Open after withdrawing from the Cincinnati Masters due to a lingering knee injury. The decision, made after consulting with his medical team, means the Italian star will miss a second consecutive ATP Masters 1000 event, following his withdrawal from the ongoing Montreal Masters.

Sinner, who won his second consecutive Wimbledon title in July, has not competed since. The 24-year-old expressed his disappointment, stating that his knee injury is not recovering as quickly as hoped. "Although my medical team and I have been working hard, I have to accept that I am not ready to compete yet. It is a pity to miss Cincinnati, I wish the tournament a complete success, and I can't wait to return next year, but now I have to focus on preparing for the US Open," Sinner said.

The Cincinnati tournament, scheduled to begin on August 13th, is a key warm-up event for the year's final Grand Slam. Sinner's absence, coupled with the withdrawal of Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz due to a wrist injury, is expected to impact ticket sales. Alcaraz, the defending champion in Cincinnati, is also racing against time to be fit for the US Open.

However, the tournament will still feature a strong field, including 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who is returning to Cincinnati for the first time since 2023. His participation offers a major draw for fans despite the absence of two of the sport's biggest young stars.

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In consultation with my doctors and team, I have to announce my withdrawal from the US-based Cincinnati Masters. Although my medical team and I have been working hard, I have to accept that I am not ready to compete yet. It is a pity to miss Cincinnati, I wish the tournament a complete success, and I can't wait to return next year, but now I have to focus on preparing for the US Open.