Jannik Sinner has ended the uncertainty over his Cincinnati Open participation, confirming that a problem in his right knee will keep him out of the Masters 1000 event.

In a statement shared by the tournament, he explained the decision after talks with his medical group and his team.

“After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati,” he wrote in statement shared by the tournament.

Sinner added that the knee has been an issue for some time and that he is not yet ready to return to competition.

“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.”

The withdrawal has naturally prompted concern, but Paolo Bertolucci offered a more reassuring reading of the situation when speaking to Gazzetta.

“The news, which had actually been in the air for a couple of days, of Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the Cincinnati Masters 1000 should not, in my opinion, be read as a warning bell about the near future,” said Bertolucci.

He argued that the choice was aimed at protecting the player and helping him arrive at the US Open in the best possible shape, physically and mentally.

Bertolucci also pointed to the impact of the setback at Roland Garros, saying it had changed the way Sinner and his team approach health issues and competitive scheduling. He believes the world No 1’s main priority is now to recover fully before New York.

The Italian also linked Sinner’s decision to the current absence of Carlos Alcaraz, who has been out since April and remains the main threat to Sinner’s No 1 ranking.

Even so, Bertolucci still expects a strong showing at Flushing Meadows, despite the lack of matches before the tournament. He noted that hard courts suit Sinner best and said his preparation in New York should help restore match rhythm.

Sinner has won the US Open once, in 2024, and was runner-up last year after losing the final to Alcaraz.

Alex Eala has become one of the central attractions at the Canadian Open in Toronto, where every one of her matches has drawn a sold-out crowd. Support from the Filipino community in the city has been especially visible, with many fans turning out to back their national hero.

The atmosphere has not been quiet, and the noise around Eala’s matches has also drawn criticism from some quarters. Yet on court, the reaction from her opponents has been notably different.

Belinda Bencic, who ended Eala’s run in the fourth round of the Masters tournament, offered a warm assessment of the support after her win on Centre Court. The Swiss player appeared fully at ease in front of the partisan crowd as she advanced with a straight-forward victory over the 21-year-old.

“I know most of you guys were cheering for Alex, but I still have to say it was very nice for me to play in front of you all,” said the Swiss star after confirming her place in the quarter finals. “Thank you so much for the great crowd tonight.”

That reaction has been a recurring pattern in Toronto. Caty McNally, who lost in three sets to Eala in the third round, also praised the energy around the match.

“Toronto, last night was unforgettable. the atmosphere out there was absolutely electrifying. I wish the result was different, but I left my whole heart out on the court,” wrote the American on Instagram.

“The journey continues and my time is coming. Beyond thankful for all the love and kind messages received from people all around the world but especially the Filipinos.”

McNally’s encounter with Eala also expanded her own following, with the player adding around 20,000 new followers after the match and receiving a flood of comments from Eala supporters.

The tournament now moves into the quarter finals, with Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, Elena Rybakina, and Ekaterina Alexandrova still in the draw. Eala will next head to the Cincinnati Open, where she is defending no ranking points. She will begin that event as world No 20 and has a strong chance to keep rising in the rankings.

Jannik Sinner’s injury concerns are now official after the world No 1 confirmed he will not play the Cincinnati Open. Reports had already circulated after he was seen at a medical facility in Italy last week, with speculation growing that a knee issue could affect his build-up to the US Open.

The Cincinnati Open confirmed his withdrawal on Sunday, announcing that the 2024 champion would not take part because of a right knee injury. The statement from tournament organisers read: “Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury,” read their statement. “Wishing all the best to our 2024 champion and can’t wait to see you again next year.”

Sinner then addressed the decision himself and made clear that the problem had been discussed with his medical team. “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.

“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.”

His comments suggest the issue may not be viewed as severe publicly, but the exact extent of the problem remains unclear. That uncertainty leaves a question mark over his preparation for the final Grand Slam of 2026.

The withdrawal is a setback for Sinner, who was due to use Cincinnati as his final warm-up event before the US Open. It also comes at a time when Carlos Alcaraz has already abandoned plans to begin his comeback in Cincinnati, leaving both leading names in men’s tennis racing to be fit for New York.