In a surprising turn of events, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has officially withdrawn from the mixed doubles event at the US Open, leaving fans and tennis enthusiasts reeling. Just a day after a heartbreaking retirement in the Cincinnati Masters final against Carlos Alcaraz, where he was forced to concede while trailing 5-0, Sinner’s health concerns have led to this unexpected decision.
The Italian star, who has been battling illness since Sunday, acknowledged the need for a few days off the court to recuperate. He was set to team up with Katerina Siniakova to face the formidable duo of Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev, but those plans have now been dashed. After an emotionally charged exit in Cincinnati, Sinner’s hopes of competing in the mixed doubles quickly turned into a daunting challenge. The 24-year-old is now prioritizing his health and preparing for the demanding singles matches awaiting him at the US Open.
“I didn’t feel great,” Sinner candidly expressed after his retirement, shedding light on the flu-like symptoms and high fever that plagued him on the eve of the Cincinnati final. Despite his determination to fight through the discomfort, the conditions proved too harsh. The Italian took to the court at 3 p.m., driven by the desire to honor the audience with a competitive performance, but it became evident from the start that he was not at his best.
In just 23 minutes, Alcaraz seized control of the match, winning all five games in a stunning display, prompting Sinner to withdraw in a bid to conserve his energy for what lies ahead. This strategic decision to step away from the mixed doubles competition in New York underscores Sinner’s commitment to recovery and preparation for the grueling best-of-five format that awaits at the season’s final Grand Slam.
Despite the disappointment of the Cincinnati final, where he showcased his talent and resilience, Sinner remains optimistic about his journey. He has reached yet another final, and through this experience, he has gained valuable insights into areas for improvement as he seeks to claim his second consecutive US Open title. Sinner’s focus now shifts solely to regaining his health and gearing up for the challenges that lie ahead in New York.
