Jannik Sinner Withdraws From Cincinnati Open With Knee Injury, Turns Focus to 2026 US Open
CINCINNATI — August 9, 2026 — Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the 2026 Cincinnati Open due to a right knee injury, delivering a significant shakeup to the ATP Masters 1000 event just days before qualifying begins.
Sinner confirmed his withdrawal Sunday, explaining that the knee issue has not improved sufficiently for him to compete in Cincinnati. Instead, the Italian star will turn his attention toward recovering in time for the 2026 US Open, which begins Sunday, August 30 in New York.
The decision removes one of the biggest names in men’s tennis from the Cincinnati Open field and raises an important question heading into the final weeks of the North American hard-court season: Will Sinner be fully healthy for the US Open?
Sinner Withdraws From Cincinnati With Right Knee Injury
Sinner said he made the decision after discussions with his doctors and team, acknowledging that despite ongoing treatment, he is not yet ready to return to competition.
“After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati,” Sinner said. “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’m very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati and wish Bob [Moran] and his whole team a great and successful event. I can’t wait to be back next year and I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open.”
Sinner’s comments make his immediate priority clear. Rather than risk aggravating the knee in Cincinnati, his team has elected to focus on rehabilitation and preparation for the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.
Sinner’s US Open Preparation Now Takes Centre Stage
Sinner’s withdrawal becomes particularly significant because of its timing.
Cincinnati represents one of the final major preparation opportunities before the US Open, offering players a chance to compete against elite opposition on North American hard courts while adjusting their games for the conditions they will encounter in New York.
By missing Cincinnati, Sinner will sacrifice valuable competitive matches, but the additional recovery time could ultimately prove more important.
The US Open does not begin until August 30, giving Sinner approximately three weeks from the announcement of his Cincinnati withdrawal to continue treating his right knee and prepare for the best-of-five-set demands of a Grand Slam.
For Sinner and his team, the calculation is straightforward: arriving in New York healthy is considerably more important than forcing a return at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament while still dealing with a physical issue.
Cincinnati Open Men’s Draw Loses a Major Contender
Sinner’s absence also changes the complexion of the 2026 Cincinnati Open men’s draw.
As one of the leading players of his generation and one of the most dangerous hard-court competitors on the ATP Tour, Sinner would have entered Cincinnati among the primary championship contenders.
His withdrawal creates additional opportunity throughout the draw, particularly for players who could have landed in his section.
With Cincinnati serving as one of the biggest tournaments on the calendar outside the four Grand Slams, the Masters 1000 event remains a critical US Open tune-up. The tournament provides a valuable indication of which players are finding their best form immediately before travelling to New York.
Without Sinner, attention will shift toward the remaining championship contenders as they look to build momentum ahead of Flushing Meadows.
When Does the 2026 Cincinnati Open Begin?
The 2026 Cincinnati Open begins Tuesday, August 11 with the qualifying tournament.
Competition will continue through Finals Weekend, with the men’s and women’s singles championship matches scheduled for Sunday, August 23.
That expanded schedule makes Cincinnati one of the centrepieces of the summer hard-court swing and an important final proving ground before the tennis world turns its attention to the US Open.
What Sinner’s Injury Means Ahead of the US Open
The biggest storyline surrounding Sinner over the coming weeks will be the condition of his right knee.
His Cincinnati withdrawal does not necessarily mean his participation at the US Open is in jeopardy. Sinner specifically stated that he is now focused on getting ready for New York, suggesting the decision to skip Cincinnati is designed to give him the best possible opportunity to recover.
However, Grand Slam tennis presents a very different physical challenge.
A player hoping to win the US Open must potentially navigate seven best-of-five-set matches across two weeks. Movement, recovery and confidence in the body become increasingly important as the tournament progresses.
Sinner’s ability to practise at full intensity and regain confidence in his movement will therefore be closely watched before the US Open draw is made.
All Eyes on Sinner’s Health Before New York
For now, Sinner and his team have chosen recovery over competition.
It is a disappointing development for Cincinnati Open organizers and fans hoping to see one of the sport’s biggest stars, but it could prove to be an important decision in the context of Sinner’s US Open ambitions.
With the Cincinnati Open beginning August 11 and the US Open following later in the month, the countdown to New York is officially underway.
For Sinner, that countdown will take place away from tournament competition as he works to get his right knee healthy enough for the final Grand Slam of 2026.
The next major update will be whether Sinner can return to full training and arrive in New York ready to challenge for the US Open title.
