We’ve been missing out on a lot of action from the top ranked players this year – Alcaraz with a wrist injury, Djokovic getting to the age where he can’t play the whole tour schedule, and Jannik Sinner now as well skipping events. The World no 1 has now confirmed that he won’t play at the ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati event this week due to a right knee injury.
It’s not a total surprise, he’d already pulled out of last week’s event in Toronto with the same problems, but we clearly have an issue not seeing the top names in tennis playing at the mandatory events.
In a statement, Sinner explained the 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 added he’s disappointed but is now focusing on getting ready for the US Open.
Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury.
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 9, 2026
Wishing all the best to our 2024 champion and can’t wait to see you again next year! ?? pic.twitter.com/wYHY94viCE
Earlier this season, Sinner won the first five ATP Masters 1000 titles, where he joined Novak Djokovic as the second player in history to complete the Career Golden Masters.
It’s a rough break for a tournament Sinner has usually owned – he’s 12-4 there lifetime, including a title in 2024. Carlos Alcaraz has also officially withdrawn, still recovering from a wrist injury that’s kept him out since April. That means fans in Cincinnati won’t see either of the world’s top two players at what’s usually the last big warm-up before the US Open.
Sinner hasn’t played since winning his second straight Wimbledon title last month. With the US Open starting August 30, the real question now isn’t Cincinnati, it’s whether he’s healthy and sharp enough by the time New York rolls around.
What do you make on this situation and the increasing amount of injuries and withdrawals we’re seeing on tour? Let us know in the comments.
