Jannik Sinner has announced that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Cincinnati Open due to a problem with his right knee. The world number one has been absent from competition since he successfully defended his Wimbledon title in July, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in the final. After that triumph, Sinner’s schedule was disrupted by a series of health setbacks that have now forced him to miss another major event. Last week the Italian star withdrew from the National Bank Open in Montreal, and now the Cincinnati Masters—one of the ATP Tour’s prestigious Masters 1000 tournaments—has been added to the growing list of events he cannot contest.
The timing of these withdrawals has raised a wave of concern among fans, analysts, and his own team, because the US Open is only a few weeks away, beginning on August 30, and Sinner is the current world No. 1 and a favorite to lift the trophy. In a brief statement released to the media, Sinner explained the decision: "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." He went on to express his disappointment, saying, "I'm very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati and wish Bob [Moran] and his whole team a great and successful event.
I can't wait to be back next year and I'm now focusing on getting ready for the US Open." The injury that has sidelined Sinner is not a new development. Earlier in the season, he suffered a painful setback during the 2025 US Open final when he was forced to retire just five games into the first set against Carlos Alcaraz after a knee injury forced him out of the match.
That premature exit denied him the chance to avenge his loss and left a lingering question about the durability of his knee under the rigors of the modern tour. The Cincinnati Open, officially known as the Western & Southern Open, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday and will run through the weekend, culminating in the singles championship finals on August 23. The tournament is traditionally a key warm‑up event for the US Open, giving players a chance to adjust to the hard‑court conditions they will face in New York. Sinner’s absence therefore not only impacts the competitive field but also removes a major draw for television audiences, particularly those watching on Sky Sports, which will broadcast the event live.
For Sky Sports subscribers, the tournament will still feature a strong lineup of talent, including the likes of Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and rising American stars. The network has also highlighted that viewers can stream the matches contract‑free via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, offering more than 50% additional live sport coverage at no extra charge this year. Looking ahead, Sinner’s primary focus now shifts to his recovery plan and the preparation needed for the US Open.
His team has indicated that they are employing a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes physiotherapy, targeted strength training, and a carefully monitored return‑to‑play protocol. The goal is to ensure that he returns to the court in optimal condition, minimizing the risk of a recurrence of the knee issue.
The broader tennis community has expressed a mixture of sympathy and optimism. Former players and coaches have noted that Sinner’s disciplined approach to his health, combined with his youthful resilience, gives him a solid chance of returning to form. "Jannik has always been very professional about managing his body," one former coach remarked.
"If he follows the medical advice and gives his knee the time it needs, there’s no reason he can’t come back stronger for the US Open." In addition to the immediate concerns about his physical state, the withdrawal also has strategic implications for the US Open draw. With Sinner out of Cincinnati, other top contenders may see an opening to gain confidence and momentum heading into the Grand Slam.
Players such as Alcaraz, who defeated Sinner in the 2025 final, and other seasoned competitors will be watching closely to see how the Italian’s recovery progresses. Fans can stay updated on Sinner’s condition through official channels, including his social media accounts and the ATP’s website, where injury reports and press releases are regularly posted. The ATP has also indicated that they will monitor the situation closely, ensuring that any updates regarding his eligibility for the US Open are communicated promptly.
In summary, Jannik Sinner’s decision to pull out of the Cincinnati Open underscores the seriousness of his right‑knee injury and highlights the delicate balance elite athletes must maintain between competition and health. While his absence is a disappointment for tournament organizers and spectators alike, the priority remains his long‑term well‑being and readiness for the upcoming US Open. The tennis world will be watching closely as he works through his rehabilitation, hopeful that the world No.
1 will return to the court in peak condition for one of the sport’s most prestigious events.