Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati Open with knee injury, targeting US Open return

Sinner pulls out of Cincinnati

Jannik Sinner, the world's No. 1 men's tennis player, withdrew from the Cincinnati Open on August 9 because of a right knee injury that has not responded to treatment. The 24-year-old Italian, who has not competed since winning his second consecutive Wimbledon title in July, also pulled out of the Canadian Open earlier in the week. His withdrawal means the Cincinnati field will be without both of the world's top two players, as Carlos Alcaraz had already announced his own withdrawal earlier in the week due to a lingering wrist injury that has kept him out of action since April.

Sinner confirmed the decision in a statement released by tournament officials.

After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati. 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.

Medical efforts and limited match play

In the days leading up to the announcement, Sinner underwent medical evaluations at the Physioclinic orthopedic clinic in Milan on Tuesday, followed by daily treatment sessions at the J Medical center in Turin, the medical facility used by Juventus and frequented by athletes including Olympic champion Federica Brignone. Despite the intensive physiotherapy, the knee problem did not resolve sufficiently for him to compete. Sinner has played only seven matches in over three months, all at Wimbledon, from his opening-round contest against Miomir Kecmanovic through to the title. He was eliminated in the second round of Roland Garros on May 28, falling to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

A dominant first half of the season

Before the knee issue surfaced, Sinner had put together the most successful first half of a season of his career. He became the first player ever to win five consecutive Masters 1000 events, capturing titles at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome. He then skipped the grass-court warmup season entirely before winning Wimbledon, where he defeated Alexander Zverev (ATP No. 3) in the final to claim his fifth Grand Slam title. He needs only the French Open to complete the career Grand Slam.

Alcaraz also absent

The Cincinnati Open field is further weakened by the absence of Alcaraz, the 23-year-old Spaniard and world No. 2 who has been sidelined for four months with a wrist injury. Alcaraz, who defeated Sinner in four sets in last year's US Open final, is the defending champion at Flushing Meadows. The Cincinnati main draw begins on August 13, while the US Open main draw starts on August 30.

Focus shifts to US Open

Sinner, who turns 25 on August 16, will continue treatment in Italy and aims to arrive at the US Open fully fit. As was the case before Wimbledon, he will enter a Grand Slam without any preparatory tournament play. Sinner won the Cincinnati title in 2024 and finished runner-up to Alcaraz there last year. He then went on to win the US Open that same season.

I'm very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati. I can't wait to be back next year and I'm now focusing on getting ready for the US Open.