Tennis requires both talent and physical resilience to sustain its demanding schedule, where one misstep, such as an awkward landing, can derail an entire season. This harsh reality has had significant repercussions for top players including Zverev, Alcaraz and Sinner; their injuries impacted every stage from Wimbledon with Sinner falling first round through to Zverev’s slip in final which broke his momentum to continue winning matches through to August where right knee pain forced Sinner to limit play, bypass Canadian Open again before withdrawing completely at Cincinnati Open due to lack of playability due to right knee issues that caused him further limitations on court play which ultimately led to him withdrawing altogether from Cincinnati tournament.
Sinner plans on entering the US Open with confidence despite an injured knee, having recently undergone shockwave therapy to reduce inflammation in his right knee before fully focusing on preparations for New York. To a large extent, rehabilitation has taken precedence over match play during his recovery process as New York draws near.
“After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati. 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 can’t wait to be back next year and I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open,” Sinner stated.
Following therapy, Sinner and his team opted against rushing his return. They planned for a brief stay in Monte Carlo for his 25th birthday celebration with family before heading to New York early next week. This schedule provides him roughly 12 days to train and regain competitive rhythm ahead of the tournament starting August 30.
Opinions differ regarding Sinner’s condition. Former player Greg Rusedski views Sinner’s Cincinnati withdrawal as a warning sign, worrying that without a warm-up event or match practice he faces a tough challenge adapting to the demanding conditions and five-set matches in New York.
“It’s concerning because he always plays a lead-up tournament. Everybody usually competes in Cincinnati before taking a week off and then preparing for New York,” Greg explained. “So obviously, the knee issue might be worse than we think. The US Open is a whole different challenge. Few players come into New York without at least one tournament under their belt and have gone on to win.”
However, this perspective is not unanimous. Medical expert Giovanni Di Giacomo interprets Sinner’s knee trouble primarily as overload rather than a serious injury, emphasizing rest and workload management as critical parts of the recovery strategy. Skipping Cincinnati was a deliberate choice to avoid unnecessary strain ahead of the US Open.
“If his team decided to reduce the load on the knee, it indicates an overload syndrome similar to what many athletes experience. Rest remains the best treatment,” Di Giacomo said. “They likely chose to skip Cincinnati to ensure Sinner can compete at his best in New York. It’s about weighing the risks and benefits.”
Similarly, Daniele, the medical chief of the Italian Tennis Federation, does not see cause for alarm. He views the Cincinnati withdrawal as a precautionary move rather than evidence of a serious problem and expects Sinner to be ready for the US Open. While Rusedski expresses concern, Di Giacomo cites overload, and Daniele describes it as a calculated risk.
Despite this optimism, reality looms large. Sinner will have only a few days to prepare in New York, where he returns as the 2024 champion and last year’s runner-up. He is far from alone in dealing with injury struggles ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year.
Alcaraz’s Injury Continues to Cloud His US Open Prospects
Carlos Alcaraz has not competed since his early exit in Barcelona in mid-April, when a backhand caused sharp wrist pain. The injury has forced him out of several major events including Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and Cincinnati, casting doubt on his ability to defend his US Open title.
While Alcaraz has resumed hitting balls in Murcia, his current level during practice still raises questions about readiness. Rumors suggest a possible wildcard entry at Winston-Salem to build up match fitness, but training comfort does not guarantee survival in the demanding environment of New York’s heat and humidity.
Former world No. 7 Emilio Sanchez voiced skepticism about Alcaraz’s chances, doubting whether two weeks suffice to transition from limited training to the intensity of a Grand Slam.
“I know he trained at 50 percent recently. There are two weeks left. If he can reach 100 percent, we might see him, but I don’t think there’s enough time,” Sanchez said. “For a normal tournament, chances would be better, but the US Open entails seven best-of-five matches against well-prepared opponents. Maybe waiting until the fall makes more sense.”
Alcaraz’s extended absence has already cost him his No. 2 world ranking to Alexander Zverev.
Current speculation suggests the Laver Cup, set for London at the end of September, represents an ideal venue for his comeback; providing high-level competition without the strain of defending Grand Slam crowns.