World No.2 Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the Italian Open in Rome just days before he gets to play in front of his home crowd as a Grand Slam champion. The Italian revealed that a hip problem has forced him to pull out of Rome as he aims to return to the Roland Garros.
Sinner has been one of the most fit players on tour since September last year. This season he has competed in six tournaments winning three of them. However, he is yet to win a title on clay court this season.
Arriving at Madrid, the last time he had won a clay title was in Umag in 2022. But, being in one of his best forms, the Italian showed great strides in winning his second-round match only to suffer discomfort during his third-round match against Pavel Kotov. Afterwards, he revealed his ongoing hip problem, however decided to continue playing.
He had to battle past seed Karen Khachanov, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 in the round of 16, to up his season record to 28-2. But that was his last match in Madrid, as he withdrew from the quarterfinal tie against Felix Auger-Alliassime. Meanwhile, he has just announced on his X page that he will not feature at the next Masters 1000 tournament in Rome due to his hip problems.
It's not easy to write this message but after speaking again with the doctors and specialist about my hip problems I have to announce that unfortunately I will not be able to play in Rome. Obviously, I'm very sad that I didn't recover, it being one of my favorite tournaments ever. I couldn't want to comeback and play at home in front of the Italian crowd. Jannik Sinner wrote on X
He added that he will stop by the Foro Italico for a few days to see fans while appreciating the support he has received from fans and aiming for the Roland Garros.
Jannik Sinner follows Carlos Alcaraz, as injury looks to likely force three of the Top 4 players away from Rome
Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the Masters tournament in Rome comes a day after Carlos Alcaraz already withdrew from the competition. The Spanish star revealed that his persistent forearm discomfort was the reason behind his decision.
The 22-year-old’s best campaign in Rome was making it to the quarterfinals in 2022. The Italian Open will start on May 6 through to May 19.
Daniil Medvedev also revealed yesterday of an injury, a day after retiring during his quarterfinals match against Jiri Lehecka in Madrid. The Russian said that he doesn’t know when he will play but is hoping for the best. This may eventually see the three of the Top 4 players miss the Rome tournament.
More must-reads: