Jannik Sinner, the current top-ranked male tennis player globally, has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to a knee injury. Sinner, who hasn’t played since winning his second consecutive Wimbledon title last month, also opted out of the National Bank Open in Montreal that commenced recently. The 24-year-old Sinner boasts five Grand Slam victories and aims to clinch the French Open to achieve a career Grand Slam.

In a statement relayed by tournament officials, Sinner mentioned, “After discussions with my medical team, I regret to announce my withdrawal from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati. Despite our efforts, my right knee remains an issue, and I acknowledge that I am not prepared to compete yet. I’m saddened to miss Cincinnati but look forward to returning next year and am now focused on preparing for the U.S. Open.”

The decision by Sinner follows Carlos Alcaraz’s similar announcement last Tuesday, citing a persistent wrist injury as the reason for withdrawing from the Cincinnati hard-court event. Consequently, neither of the top two men’s singles players will be present at the start of the tournament in Cincinnati this Saturday.

Sinner’s absence means that fans in Cincinnati will miss the opportunity to watch the top-ranked players in action. Two years ago, Sinner claimed the Cincinnati title, a crucial tournament before the U.S. Open, which he subsequently won. However, in the previous year, Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a four-set match at the U.S. Open final, dethroning him. The 23-year-old Spanish player is set to defend his title as the main draw of the tournament kicks off on August 30.