ROMA.- Number two in the ranking, Jannik Sinnerannounced on Saturday that he is retiring from Italian Open due to a hip injury, depriving the tournament of the most anticipated participation in decades by a local tennis player.
Sinner joins the absence of third-placed Carlos Alcaraz after the Spaniard announced a day earlier that he would not participate due to the discomfort he has in his right forearm.
The 22-year-old Italian tennis player won the Australian Open in January to become the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam tournament in almost half a century, since Adriano Panatta did so in 1976 at the French Open.
“It is not easy to write this message, but after having conversations with doctors and specialists about my hip problems, I must announce that unfortunately I cannot play in Rome,” Sinner posted on social networks.
Sinner also withdrew prior to his Madrid Open quarterfinal match for the same reason.
The Italian Open starts next week.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed that I didn’t recover, as this is one of my favorite tournaments,” Sinner said. “I was very excited to play at home in front of the Italian fans. Anyway, I’m coming to Rome for a few days and stopping by the Foro Italico.
“Now I will work with my team and my doctors to be ready for Roland Garros,” Sinner added.
The French Open, the second Grand Slam of the year, begins on May 26.
Another loss in sight in Italy?
Fourth-ranked Daniil Medvedev is also dealing with physical issues, having retired after losing the first set of his Madrid quarterfinal against Jiri Lehecka, during which he required treatment on his upper right leg.
Novak Djokovic, the highest-ranked player who did not play in Madrid, is expected to return in Rome. Like Rafael Nadal.
Source: AP
