Tennis fans hoping to catch an early glimpse of men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at Flushing Meadows will have to wait until the singles draw begins.
The Italian star, who retired after just five games in the Cincinnati Final against Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday due to illness, officially pulled out of the U.S. Open’s new mixed doubles event on Tuesday morning.
Sinner, the reigning U.S. Open champion and a four-time Grand Slam winner, had been slated to compete alongside Czech doubles specialist Kateina Siniaková.
The duo was one of the most anticipated pairings in the inaugural two-day mixed doubles competition, which carries a $1 million prize pool for the winners.
Instead, both Sinner and Siniaková have now withdrawn, as Sinner‘s team places his health and singles title defense above all else.
High-Profile withdrawal shakes up new event
The news, while disappointing, was hardly shocking given Sinner‘s visible struggles in Cincinnati.
He abruptly retired against Alcaraz, citing illness, and immediately raised concerns about his readiness for New York. His withdrawal forced the U.S. Open to scramble for replacements just minutes before the event was due to start at 11 a.m.
In a statement, organizers confirmed they would insert a team with “the highest combined singles ranking” available.
Ultimately, Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison were tapped as late additions, taking the spot less than half an hour before play began. They were set to face Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev on Tuesday afternoon inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Siniaková‘s absence is also a blow to the showcase. With 11 Grand Slam doubles titles to her name, she is widely regarded as one of the best doubles players of her generation.
The partnership with Sinner promised a compelling blend of power and precision, making them early favorites to contend for the lucrative prize.
Focus shifts to singles
While fans may feel shortchanged, the decision aligns with Sinner‘s long-term goals. The 23-year-old Italian is considered the frontrunner to defend his U.S. Open crown when the main draw kicks off Sunday.
His victory last year marked a turning point in his career, elevating him into the conversation with Alcaraz as the future face of men’s tennis.
With the ATP season grinding into its busiest stretch, the Italian’s team is clearly erring on the side of caution. Any lingering effects of illness could derail not just his U.S. Open hopes but also his position as world No. 1.
Though the mixed doubles event continues with star names like Zverev, Bencic, and Danielle Collins, there’s no denying Sinner’s absence leaves a major void.
Fans may have to wait until the singles tournament begins to see whether the defending champion is fully fit to reclaim his crown.
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