WASHINGTON: World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open with a right knee injury, tournament organisers said on Sunday, dealing a setback to the Italian’s preparations for the U.S. Open.
The 24-year-old, who won his fifth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last month, had also pulled out of the Canadian Open, another key tournament ahead of the year’s final major.
“After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati,” Sinner said in a statement.
“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.”
Sinner said he was disappointed to miss the tournament but would now focus on recovering in time for the U.S. Open.
The Italian’s withdrawal further weakens the Cincinnati field, with reigning U.S. Open champion Carlos Alcaraz also sidelined by a wrist injury.
The Cincinnati Open main draw begins on Aug. 13, while the U.S. Open gets underway on Aug. 30 in New York.
Sinner will now have limited competitive preparation before the hard-court Grand Slam as he looks to build on his Wimbledon triumph and add another major title to his collection.
