Jannik Sinner has announced that he will not compete in the upcoming Cincinnati Open after suffering a problem with his right knee. The Italian world number one has been absent from competition since he successfully defended his Wimbledon crown in July, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in a hard‑fought 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 just a week ago.
Now, with Cincinnati also off his calendar, concerns are mounting about his readiness for the season‑ending US Open, which is set to kick off on August 30 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In a brief statement released to the media, Sinner explained the reasoning 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.” The 23‑year‑old expressed genuine disappointment at missing the event, 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.” Sinner’s withdrawal is significant not only because it removes a top‑seed from a prestigious ATP Masters 1000 tournament, but also because it highlights the lingering impact of a knee injury that forced him to retire early from the 2025 US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz. In that match, Sinner was compelled to stop play after just five games in the first set due to a sudden flare‑up of the same knee problem, denying him the chance to avenge his loss. The recurrence of the issue this summer suggests that the injury may be more chronic than initially thought, prompting his team to adopt a cautious approach to protect his long‑term health and performance.
The Cincinnati Open, officially known as the Western & Southern Open, was slated to begin on Tuesday and run through to the singles championship final on August 23. The tournament is a key preparatory event for players heading into the US Open, offering a chance to fine‑tune their games on hard courts similar to those in New York. With Sinner’s absence, the draw opens up for other contenders, and the tournament will proceed without one of the sport’s brightest stars. Sky Sports will still provide live coverage of the matches, and fans can also stream the action via NOW and the Sky Sports app, which promise more than 50 percent additional live sport content at no extra charge this year.
Looking ahead, Sinner’s primary focus will shift to rehabilitation and ensuring that his knee is fully healed before the US Open. The Italian has a reputation for meticulous preparation and a strong work ethic, and his medical team will likely employ a combination of physiotherapy, strength training, and possibly targeted injections or other treatments to address inflammation and stability in the joint. The goal is to return to competition at peak fitness, minimizing the risk of aggravating the injury during the high‑stakes environment of a Grand Slam.
The broader tennis calendar in 2026 continues to feature a packed schedule of ATP and WTA events, with the US Open remaining the final major of the year. Fans can keep track of daily scores, upcoming matches, and live broadcast times through Sky Sports’ dedicated tennis portal.
For those who prefer streaming, the NOW platform offers contract‑free access to live tennis, allowing viewers to watch the US Open from August 30 onward without a traditional subscription. The platform also integrates with the Sky Sports app, providing a seamless viewing experience across devices.
In summary, Jannik Sinner’s decision to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open underscores the seriousness of his right‑knee injury and casts a shadow over his immediate prospects at the US Open. While the Italian star expressed disappointment at missing the Masters 1000 event, he emphasized his commitment to recovery and a return to form for the season’s final Grand Slam. The tennis community will be watching closely as Sinner’s rehabilitation progresses, hoping that he can regain full fitness and compete at the highest level once again. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Open will proceed without him, offering other players a chance to shine, and Sky Sports will continue to deliver comprehensive coverage of the tournament and the upcoming US Open for fans worldwide.