BREAKING: Jannik Sinner forced to pull out of Cincinnati Open with injury blow weeks before US Open

Jannik Sinner will not play at next week’s Cincinnati Open after withdrawing from the ATP 1000 tournament with a right knee injury. The 2024 champion has consulted with his doctors and team before deciding to focus on getting ready for the US Open later this month.

Sinner, 24, has not played since beating Alexander Zverev to retain his Wimbledon title almost a month ago, after also withdrawing ahead of the ongoing Canadian Open. That was a second 1000 event that the world No.1 has missed, having won the previous six, starting with last year’s Paris Masters in early November and ending at May’s Italian Open.

Cincinnati Open confirmed on Sunday that “Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury.” They added on social media: “Wishing all the best to our 2024 champion, and can’t wait to see you again next year!”

Sinner is quoted as saying: “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.

“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.