Jannik Sinner, who holds the second rank, announced on Saturday that he’s pulling out of the Italian Open due to a hip injury. This means the tournament will miss out on having one of its most anticipated local players in a long time.
Sinner’s withdrawal comes after Carlos Alcaraz, ranked third, also pulled out due to a right forearm injury a day earlier.
The 22-year-old Sinner made history in January by winning the Australian Open, becoming the first Italian man in nearly 50 years to clinch a Grand Slam singles title since Adriano Panatta at the 1976 French Open.
“It’s tough to write this, but after consulting with doctors about my hip issues, I have to announce that I can’t compete in Rome,” Sinner shared in Italian on social media.
Sinner had to withdraw from the Madrid Open earlier in the week before his quarterfinal match due to the same hip injury.
The Italian Open begins next week.
“I’m really disappointed not to recover in time, especially since this tournament is one of my favorites,” Sinner expressed. “I was eagerly looking forward to playing in front of Italian fans. Nonetheless, I’ll still be in Rome for a few days and will visit the Foro Italico.”
“Now, I’ll focus on working with my team and doctors to get ready for Roland Garros,” he added.
The French Open, the second Grand Slam of the year, starts on May 26.
Meanwhile, fourth-ranked Daniil Medvedev also faced physical issues, retiring from his Madrid Open quarterfinal match after the first set due to an upper right leg injury.
Top-ranked Djokovic, who skipped Madrid, is expected to return for the Rome Open, along with Rafael Nadal.
