Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked male tennis player globally, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee injury. After clinching back-to-back Wimbledon titles last month, Sinner has been sidelined and also withdrew from the National Bank Open in Montreal last week. The 24-year-old has amassed five Grand Slam victories and is only a French Open win away from completing a career Grand Slam.

In a statement relayed by tournament officials, the Italian athlete expressed regret over his withdrawal from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati, citing ongoing discomfort in his right knee despite intensive medical efforts. Sinner conveyed his anticipation to return next year and redirected his focus towards preparing for the upcoming U.S. Open.

This announcement by Sinner comes shortly after Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to skip the Cincinnati event due to a persistent wrist issue. Consequently, tennis enthusiasts in Cincinnati will miss witnessing the world’s top two players in action as the men’s singles competition commences this weekend.

Having claimed the Cincinnati title two years ago, Sinner used the tournament as a springboard to his subsequent U.S. Open triumph. However, last year saw Alcaraz defeat Sinner in the U.S. Open final, marking a changing of the guard. The 23-year-old Spaniard is set to defend his title as the main draw of the tournament kicks off on August 30.