Jannik Sinner has announced that he will not take part in the Cincinnati Open after suffering a problem with his right knee. The 2026 world number one has been absent from competition since his successful defence of the Wimbledon crown in July, when he overcame Alexander Zverev in a thrilling final. That victory was the last time fans saw him on a court, and since then his schedule has been increasingly disrupted by physical setbacks.
The Italian star had already withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Montreal earlier in the week, and the latest decision to sit out the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati only deepens worries about his condition ahead of the season‑ending US Open, which is slated to begin on August 30 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In a brief statement released to the media, Sinner explained the rationale behind his choice.
"After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati," he said. "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 added a note of disappointment, acknowledging the impact of his absence on the tournament and expressing goodwill toward the event organizers. "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," Sinner remarked. "I can't wait to be back next year and I'm now focusing on getting ready for the US Open." Sinner's withdrawal is significant not only because he is the current world No.
1, but also because it removes a major contender from a key preparatory event ahead of the Grand Slam. The Cincinnati Open, which kicks off on Tuesday, serves as a crucial warm‑up for players aiming to fine‑tune their games before the hard‑court season culminates in New York.
The tournament will run through August 23, culminating in the singles championship finals, all of which will be shown live on Sky Sports. The injury also means Sinner loses the chance to avenge a painful loss from the previous year.
In the 2025 US Open final, he was forced to retire after just five games of the opening set due to a similar knee problem, handing the title to Carlos Alcaraz. That abrupt ending left a lingering sense of unfinished business, and many observers had hoped the Cincinnati Open would provide an opportunity for Sinner to rebuild confidence and test his physical readiness before returning to the US Open stage. Medical experts note that knee injuries in tennis can be particularly stubborn, especially for players who rely heavily on explosive movement, quick changes of direction, and powerful baseline strokes.
The repetitive stress of high‑intensity matches can exacerbate underlying issues, and even with modern physiotherapy and conditioning programs, a full recovery often requires a cautious approach. Sinner's team appears to be prioritising long‑term health over short‑term gains, a strategy that may ultimately benefit his career longevity. Fans of the sport can still follow the ATP and WTA tours as they head into the final weeks of the season. Sky Sports will continue to provide live coverage of the remaining tournaments, and viewers have the option to stream matches without a contract through the NOW platform.
This arrangement gives Sky Sports subscribers access to more than 50 percent additional live sport content this year at no extra charge, reinforcing the broadcaster's commitment to comprehensive tennis coverage. Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to Sinner's rehabilitation program and his preparation for the US Open.
While the exact timeline for his return to full competition remains uncertain, the Italian has indicated that his primary goal is to be fit and competitive when the Grand Slam begins. The US Open, set to start on August 30, will feature a deep field of talent, and Sinner's presence—or absence—will be a major storyline. In summary, Jannik Sinner's decision to pull out of the Cincinnati Open underscores the seriousness of his knee issue and raises legitimate concerns about his readiness for the upcoming US Open.
The withdrawal also highlights the broader challenges athletes face when balancing injury management with the demands of an elite sporting calendar. As the tennis world watches, all eyes will be on Sinner's recovery progress and his potential return to the court in New York, where he will aim to defend his reputation as the sport's leading player.