World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open 2026 due to a right knee injury, the Italian confirmed on Sunday.
Sinner said he made the decision after consulting his doctors and medical team. He had also missed the Montreal Masters as he continues to manage the knee problem.
The Cincinnati Open begins on Thursday, making Sinner’s withdrawal another setback as he prepares for the final Grand Slam of the season.
“I have to accept that I’m not ready to compete yet,” Sinner said in a statement posted on the ATP website.
Sinner prioritises recovery
Sinner had been enjoying an impressive run at Masters 1000 level, having won six consecutive matches at the tournament category before the North American hard-court swing.
The 24-year-old also skipped the Montreal event, saying at the time that he wanted to prioritise his health.
His latest withdrawal means Sinner has now missed both major warm-up tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati ahead of the US Open 2026.
Sinner has not played competitively since successfully defending his Wimbledon title last month.
Alcaraz also dealing with injury
Sinner’s withdrawal comes shortly after world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the Cincinnati Open while dealing with a wrist injury.
The absence of both top-ranked players could significantly change the complexion of the tournament as the world’s leading players prepare for the US Open.
The Cincinnati Open and Montreal Masters are regarded as key preparation events ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam.
Sinner and Alcaraz rivalry heads towards US Open
Sinner and Alcaraz were at the centre of last year’s US Open final, with the Spanish player defeating Sinner in four sets to claim the title.
Alcaraz has been out of action since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in April, while Sinner’s last appearance came at Wimbledon.
The US Open is scheduled to begin in New York on August 30, leaving both players with limited competitive preparation before the Grand Slam.
Sinner’s priority now will be to recover fully from his knee injury before returning to action.
