Jannik Sinner, the former world No. 1, is in top form ahead of the U.S. Open
The conditions of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are causing concern in the tennis world just over two weeks before the start of the U.S. Open. The two top-ranked players in the ATP are racing against the clock to make a full recovery ahead of the season’s final Grand Slam, and the possibility of their absence is causing concern for everyone.
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick had this to say about Sinner’s situation on his podcast: “All we know is that he’s decided to pull out of Montreal and Cincinnati. As is his style, he hasn’t said anything beyond the bare minimum. He hasn’t given any indication of his next steps ahead of the US Open,” said the former American tennis player, who chose not to speculate on the South Tyrolean’s situation.
As for Alcaraz, however, the situation is different: “I think it’s really tough to see him back in action at a tournament as long and physically demanding as the US Open. His participation in the last Grand Slam of 2026 is highly doubtful, at least from my point of view. I’m not a doctor and I don’t have precise information about his condition, but given that he’s taken a cautious approach so far, returning to a Major would be almost a contradiction.”
Roddick still hopes the New York Grand Slam will bring some surprises: “Jannik and Carlos dominate the tour, but it was nice to see someone else win in Paris. I think the US Open could be a more open tournament than anyone might imagine right now.”
Sinner had officially announced his withdrawal from Cincinnati with these words: “After consulting with my doctors and my team, I must announce that I am forced to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament. My right knee is bothering me, and despite working hard with my medical team, I have to admit that I’m not ready to compete yet. I can’t wait to come back next year, and right now I’m focusing on preparing for the US Open.” The South Tyrolean underwent several medical evaluations, first in Milan with his personal physician and then at JMedical in Turin, where he continued treatment with shockwave therapy sessions to reduce inflammation in his right knee.
Dr. Giovanni Di Giacomo, an internationally renowned specialist and former team doctor for the BNL Italian Open and the ATP Finals, clarified the Italian player’s condition: “Jannik is being treated by an exceptional team of doctors. If his colleagues deemed it necessary to reduce the strain on his knee, it means he has an overuse syndrome, which many other athletes have also experienced in the past. And rest—in addition to shockwave therapy, physical therapy, and medication—is always the best treatment.” Di Giacomo said, however, that he remains confident Sinner will compete in New York: “I assume they preferred not to risk Cincinnati so that he could arrive in top condition in the U.S., where I’m fairly certain he’ll be competing.”
