Jannik Sinner announced that he will not take part in the upcoming Cincinnati Open after doctors confirmed a lingering issue with his right knee. The 24-year-old world number one has been absent from competitive play since his successful defence of the Wimbledon crown in July, where he beat Alexander Zverev in a tightly contested final. Since that triumph, Sinner’s schedule has been increasingly disrupted by physical setbacks, beginning with a withdrawal from the National Bank Open in Montreal earlier this week.
His decision to skip the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati has intensified speculation about his condition ahead of the US Open, which is set to commence 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 withdrawal: "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, adding, "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 timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Sinner, who entered the 2025 season with high expectations after his Wimbledon victory.
Earlier in the year, he suffered a painful retirement in the 2025 US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz, bowing out just five games into the first set due to a similar knee complaint. That abrupt ending denied him the chance to avenge his loss and left a lingering question about his durability on the biggest stages. The Cincinnati Open, traditionally a key warm‑up tournament for the US Open, would have provided Sinner with valuable match practice on hard courts, but his medical team has deemed it too risky to compete.
The Cincinnati tournament is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with matches streamed live on Sky Sports and culminating in the singles championship final on August 23. While Sinner will miss this event, the ATP calendar continues to feature a packed slate of competitions, and fans can still follow the ATP and WTA tours, as well as the US Open, through Sky Sports' extensive coverage.
Subscribers also have the option to stream matches contract‑free via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, offering more than 50 percent additional live sport content at no extra charge. Looking ahead, Sinner’s primary focus now shifts to his rehabilitation program and the preparation required for the US Open. The tournament, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, is the final Grand Slam of the year and carries significant ranking points and prize money. A fit and fully recovered Sinner could still be a major contender, but the uncertainty surrounding his knee health adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming fortnight of tennis.
Medical experts suggest that a cautious approach is essential for athletes dealing with chronic knee issues. Rehabilitation typically involves a combination of physiotherapy, strength training, and controlled on‑court sessions to rebuild confidence in the joint. Sinner’s team has reportedly been monitoring his progress closely, employing advanced imaging and biomechanical analysis to determine when he can safely return to competition. Fans and commentators alike are now debating how Sinner’s absence will affect the dynamics of the Cincinnati draw.
With the world number one out, the field opens up for other top players such as Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and the ever‑dangerous Carlos Alcaraz, each eager to claim a valuable Masters 1000 title before the US Open. The tournament could serve as a springboard for a new champion, while also providing a glimpse into the form of players who will likely be in contention for the New York major. In addition to the competitive implications, Sinner’s withdrawal highlights the broader issue of athlete health management in a sport that demands relentless travel and back‑to‑back tournaments.
The ATP has been under pressure to adjust the calendar to allow more recovery time, and instances like Sinner’s knee problem fuel ongoing discussions about player welfare. As the summer progresses, all eyes will remain on Sinner’s recovery timeline.
While he has expressed optimism about returning to the court next year, his immediate goal is to ensure that his knee is fully healed before stepping onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. The US Open, with its massive global audience and high stakes, will be the ultimate test of his fitness and resilience.
For now, tennis enthusiasts can stay updated on the latest scores, upcoming matches, and live broadcast schedules through Sky Sports’ dedicated tennis portal. Whether watching the ATP tour events, the WTA tour, or the US Open itself, viewers will have ample opportunities to enjoy world‑class tennis, even as they await news on Sinner’s condition and his potential comeback later in the season.