World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury [1], [2].
The withdrawal removes the top-seeded player from a key warm-up event before the U.S. Open. Sinner's absence creates a significant opening in the draw and raises questions about his physical readiness for the final Grand Slam of the year.
Sinner, 24 [1], announced the decision on Monday [1], [3]. The Italian player said he is focusing on recovery to ensure he is fit for the upcoming major in New York [1], [5]. The injury to his right knee has been persistent, leaving him unable to compete at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio [1], [4].
"I'm not ready yet," Sinner said [3].
The world No. 1 enters this recovery period with five Grand Slam titles to his name following Wimbledon [1]. His absence from the Cincinnati event follows a similar trend of top players missing action, as he joins Carlos Alcaraz on the sidelines [4].
Medical staff and coaches are now prioritizing his rehabilitation to avoid further complications. While the exact nature of the knee injury was not detailed, the decision to skip the tournament suggests a cautious approach to his health. Sky Sports said the injury raises concerns about his fitness for the U.S. Open [2].
Sinner's team has not provided a specific timeline for his return to match play, though the goal remains a full recovery before the U.S. Open begins. The player has been a dominant force on the tour, and his ability to compete at 100% will be critical for his title defense aspirations.
“"I'm not ready yet,"”
Sinner's withdrawal highlights the precarious balance between maintaining a world No. 1 ranking and managing physical longevity. By skipping the Cincinnati Open, Sinner is prioritizing long-term health over immediate match rhythm, a gamble that could either leave him under-prepared or perfectly rested for the US Open.
