Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked male tennis player globally, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee issue. Sinner, who last competed at Wimbledon, where he secured his second consecutive title, also withdrew from the National Bank Open in Montreal last week. The 24-year-old Sinner, holding five Grand Slam victories, aims to clinch the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam.

In a statement from tournament officials, Sinner expressed his disappointment at having to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters 1000 event. He cited ongoing discomfort in his right knee despite efforts by his medical team. Sinner emphasized his focus on returning stronger for the U.S. Open next year. This decision by Sinner comes on the heels of Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the same event due to a wrist injury.

With both top-ranked players absent, fans at the upcoming Cincinnati event will miss seeing the world’s leading tennis talents in action. Sinner, who previously triumphed in Cincinnati as a prelude to his subsequent U.S. Open victory, will not be defending his title this year. Instead, the spotlight shifts to Alcaraz, the reigning U.S. Open champion, as he gears up to defend his title when the tournament kicks off on August 30.