Jannik Sinner has announced that he will not take part in the Cincinnati Open after suffering a problem with his right knee. The Italian, who currently holds the world No. 1 ranking, has not appeared on a court since his successful defense of the Wimbledon title in July, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in a hard‑fought final.
His withdrawal follows a similar decision made just a week earlier, when he also pulled out of the National Bank Open in Montreal. The back‑to‑back absences have sparked a wave of speculation about his physical condition as the season moves toward its final Grand Slam, the US Open, scheduled to commence on August 30 and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
In a statement released to the media, Sinner explained the circumstances surrounding 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, 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 concerning for Sinner because it denies him the opportunity to seek redemption for a painful defeat at the 2025 US Open final. In that match, he was forced to retire after just five games in the first set due to a similar knee problem, handing the title to Carlos Alcaraz. The recurrence of the injury raises questions about whether Sinner will be fully fit to mount a serious challenge at Flushing Meadows later this month.
The Cincinnati Open, officially known as the Western & Southern Open, is set to begin on Tuesday and will run through to the singles championship finals on August 23. The tournament is a key preparatory event for players targeting the US Open, offering a chance to adapt to the hard‑court surface and fine‑tune their games. However, with Sinner’s absence, the draw opens up for other contenders to make a deep run. From a broader perspective, Sinner’s situation highlights the physical toll that the modern tennis calendar can impose on elite athletes.
The season now stretches from early January to late November, with players required to compete in a series of high‑intensity tournaments across multiple continents. Injuries, especially to the knee, are common among players who rely on explosive movement, rapid changes of direction, and sustained baseline rallies. Sports medicine experts note that a combination of overuse, insufficient recovery time, and the cumulative stress of back‑to‑back tournaments can exacerbate underlying issues, making careful management essential. Sinner’s team has emphasized that they are taking a cautious approach.
"We are working closely with physiotherapists, strength coaches, and medical doctors to ensure a full recovery," a spokesperson said. "The priority is his long‑term health and his ability to compete at the highest level when the US Open arrives." This sentiment is echoed by many former players who have spoken publicly about the importance of listening to one’s body, even if it means missing high‑profile events.
For fans of the sport, the news is a disappointment, as Sinner has quickly become one of the most exciting figures on the tour. Since breaking through in 2021, he has amassed a collection of titles, including a Wimbledon crown, and has consistently challenged the established elite. His aggressive baseline play, combined with a calm on‑court demeanor, has earned him a reputation as a future multiple‑Grand‑Slam champion. In the meantime, Sky Sports continues to provide extensive coverage of the remaining ATP and WTA events, as well as the upcoming US Open.
Viewers can watch matches live on the Sky Sports channel or stream them without a contract through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which promises over 50 percent more live sport this year at no additional cost. Detailed schedules, live scores, and match analysis are available on the network’s website, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts stay informed even as the player field evolves. Looking ahead, the focus will shift to how Sinner manages his rehabilitation in the weeks leading up to the US Open. If his recovery progresses well, he could still arrive in New York ready to compete, albeit perhaps with a modified training regimen to protect his knee.
Should the injury linger, however, the tournament may proceed without one of its most promising contenders, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and opening doors for other rising stars to seize the moment.