Jannik Sinner has announced that he will not be participating in the Cincinnati Open because of a problem with his right knee. The Italian star, who currently holds the world No. 1 ranking, has not appeared on a court since his successful defense of the Wimbledon crown in July, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in a hard‑fought final.
The latest development follows Sinner's recent withdrawal from the National Bank Open in Montreal, a decision that was made just a week before the Cincinnati tournament was set to begin. By pulling out of two high‑profile Masters 1000 events in quick succession, concerns are mounting among fans, analysts, and his own team about his physical condition as the US Open looms on the calendar. The Grand Slam, which kicks off on August 30, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and many are now questioning whether the Italian will be fit enough to compete at the highest level.
In a statement released to the media, Sinner explained the rationale behind his 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, noting that he had been looking forward to the event and wishing the tournament director, Bob Moran, and the entire organizing committee a successful week.
"I'm very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati and wish Bob 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," he added.
Sinner's absence from the Cincinnati Open is particularly significant because the tournament, which begins on Tuesday, is one of the key warm‑up events leading into the US Open. It traditionally attracts the sport's top talent, offering players a chance to fine‑tune their games on hard courts similar to those in New York.
The event will culminate with the singles finals on August 23, and it will be televised live on Sky Sports, providing a platform for fans to watch the remaining competitors battle for the title. The Italian's knee problem also means he missed an opportunity to avenge a painful defeat he suffered in the 2025 US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz. In that match, Sinner was forced to retire after just five games of the first set due to an injury, leaving the rivalry unfinished and adding an extra layer of motivation for him to return in peak condition. The current injury, however, threatens to delay that redemption.
While Sinner focuses on rehabilitation, his coaching and medical staff are reportedly implementing a comprehensive recovery plan. This includes physiotherapy sessions aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee, targeted low‑impact cardio work to maintain his overall fitness, and a carefully monitored schedule of rest and gradual return to on‑court training. The goal is to ensure that when he does step onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, his knee will be fully stable and capable of handling the rigors of five‑set tennis. The broader tennis community has reacted with a mix of empathy and speculation.
Many commentators have highlighted the demanding nature of the modern tour, where players often compete in back‑to‑back tournaments across different continents, increasing the risk of overuse injuries. Sinner's decision to prioritize his health over immediate competition is being praised as a mature and responsible approach, especially given the long‑term implications for his career. For fans who were hoping to see the world No. 1 in action, there are still plenty of matches to watch.
Sky Sports will continue to provide live coverage of the ATP and WTA tours, as well as the upcoming US Open, starting on August 30. Additionally, viewers can stream the events without a traditional cable subscription through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which together offer more than 50 percent additional live sport content at no extra charge for Sky Sports subscribers. In summary, Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open underscores the fragile balance athletes must maintain between competition and recovery.
While his knee injury has forced him to miss two crucial Masters 1000 events, his focus now shifts to a full recovery ahead of the US Open. The tennis world will be watching closely to see if he can return to form in time for the season's final Grand Slam, and whether his rehabilitation program will allow him to compete at the level that has made him the dominant force in men's tennis today.