‘Not ready to compete’: World No. 1 ATP player withdraws from Cincinnati Open

Download the FREE FOX19 NOW news app for iPhone

Download the FREE FOX19 NOW news app for Android

MASON, Ohio (WXIX) - Another top-ranking tennis star has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open just days before the tournament’s official start.

Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1 ranking athlete for ATP singles, withdrew from the open due to a right knee injury as a precaution to risking further injury.

“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 in a statement on Sunday. “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.”

Sinner, 24, was reportedly seen in Milan attending a non-routine medical appointment to “check on the condition of his knee” on Aug. 6.

Reports say the Italian player was debating whether he should remove himself from the tournament or delay his arrival to Cincinnati.

“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,” Sinner said. “I can’t wait to be back next year and I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open.”

Sinner joins the list of top players who have withdrawn from the annual Cincinnati Open due to injuries.

Karolina Muchova and Jasmine Paolini announced Friday they were withdrawing from the tournament to recover from recent injuries on the court.

Though neither player disclosed what their injuries are, reports say Muchova had a “small surgery” after Wimbledon and Paolini is dealing with a left foot injury, preventing her from competing in multiple tournaments.

Before that, Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the open because of a persistent wrist injury.

The Cincinnati Open is a crucial tournament for tennis players to compete in as it is utilized as a premier warm-up for the US Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the year.

This year marks the 127th year of world-class tennis in Mason. The competition begins with qualifying rounds on Aug. 11 with the first round beginning Aug. 13.

See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.