Jannik Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati Open

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After Carlos Alcaraz, it is now Jannik Sinner.

On Aug. 11, 2026, Cincinnati Open tournament organizers announced the withdrawal of ATP world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, ending his hopes of reclaiming the ATP Masters 1000 title after finishing as the runner-up last year.

Sinner also addressed his camp’s decision, saying he was dealing with a right knee injury just two and a half weeks before the US Open begins.

“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.

“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.”

The announcement about Sinner’s knee injury was sudden, but concerns had already surfaced on Aug. 5, 2026, when he withdrew from the National Bank Open.

Sinner did not disclose a specific injury, but his camp said it needed to skip the trip to Toronto to “prioritize his health.”

A clearer picture emerged the next day when reports revealed that Sinner went to Milan for intensive screening after experiencing flare-ups in his right knee.

Sinner’s preparations for the final Grand Slam tournament of the year took a major blow, as the US Open will begin on Aug. 30, 2026.

The 24-year-old Italian ace is enjoying one of his most dominant Grand Slam runs and is fresh from winning Wimbledon on July 12, 2026, by defeating Alexander Zverev.

“I’m very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati and wish Bob 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,” Sinner added.

Meanwhile, his rival Alcaraz is looking to end a three-month tennis hiatus after sustaining inflammation of a tendon sheath in his wrist.

Although no verified reports have confirmed that Alcaraz will compete, his consistent updates on his official Instagram account have kept fans optimistic that he will fly to the U.S. and defend his title.