Jannik Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati with injury, US Open return now in focus

Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 tennis player, has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury, casting doubt on his readiness for the upcoming US Open. The 24-year-old Italian, who recently defended his Wimbledon title, announced his withdrawal on Sunday, alongside fellow player Carlos Alcaraz, who also pulled out with a right wrist injury.

Sinner stated that despite rigorous work with his medical team, he is not yet match-ready and will now concentrate on recovering for the US Open, which begins on August 30. This setback leaves the Cincinnati Open without the presence of the world's top two men's players. For Sinner, the tournament is a crucial prelude to the US Open, where he aims to add to his Wimbledon title by completing a career Grand Slam.

Alcaraz, who had been sidelined since April with the wrist injury, missed both the French Open and Wimbledon, and had been expected to defend his US Open title. The absence of both players has raised concerns about their fitness as the tournament approaches.