Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and defending U.S. Open champion, recently withdrew from the Cincinnati Open final and the mixed doubles draw at the U.S. Open—raising concerns about his health going into the season’s final Grand Slam.
Illness sparked the concern: Sinner was forced to retire just five games into the final against Carlos Alcaraz due to a virus. He also withdrew from the mixed doubles event he had been slated to play with Katerina Siniakova.
Cahill’s assessment: Speaking to ESPN, coach Darren Cahill reassured fans that Sinner was on the mend. He noted that Sinner had “been feeling a little better” and stressed the importance of rest. The plan includes a day or two off and then, hopefully, hitting some balls on Thursday. Cahill expressed full confidence that Sinner “will be fine.”
Timeline for return: The U.S. Open officially begins on August 24, giving Sinner a narrow window to regain form. Cahill hopes Sinner can resume practice by Thursday, August 21 or 22, ahead of the first-round matches scheduled for the weekend.
What It Means for Sinner’s U.S. Open Campaign
Sinner arrives at Flushing Meadows with plenty at stake—a chance to cement his dominant 2025 season, which already includes two Grand Slam titles (Australian Open and Wimbledon) and a commanding run on hard courts. His withdrawal from Cincinnati and mixed doubles may signal caution, but Cahill’s update brings hope.
While the window for recovery is tight, the coach’s steady, optimistic tone suggests a belief in both Sinner’s resilience and capacity to bounce back—key traits for navigating Grand Slam pressure.
