World No 1 Jannik Sinner has officially withdrawn from the prestigious Paris Masters, citing a viral illness as the reason for his absence from the tournament. Originally scheduled to kick off his campaign in the French capital on Wednesday, Sinner’s decision to step back from the competition shifts the spotlight to his rival, Carlos Alcaraz, who now stands as the tournament’s top seed.
This unfortunate setback comes at a critical juncture for the 23-year-old Italian, who has been enjoying a remarkable season. With nearly two weeks remaining to recover, Sinner’s focus will shift to ensuring he is at peak fitness for the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin, where the top eight players from around the globe will compete for the prestigious title.
“I’m very disappointed to tell you that I’m not able to play here this tournament,” Sinner said in a video message posted on the tournament’s social media accounts.
“I came very early here to prepare, then I felt sick. I’m having a virus at the moment, which is going to pass in the next two-three days, so body-wise, I’m not ready to compete.
“I’m very, very sorry for that but see you guys all next year and hopefully it’s going to be a great year also this year without me.”
Sinner has had an impressive year, capturing his first two Grand Slam titles in 2024. He triumphed at the Australian Open in January and subsequently added the US Open to his collection in September. In addition, he reached the semi-finals of the French Open and was a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, showcasing his consistency and growth as a player.
Throughout the 2024 season, Sinner has amassed a total of seven ATP Tour titles, demonstrating his evolution into one of the sport’s elite competitors. His latest triumph came at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month, where he secured a notable victory over Novak Djokovic in straight sets, further solidifying his status in the tennis world. Additionally, Sinner’s victory at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, where he defeated Alcaraz in the final, highlights his competitive nature and ability to perform under pressure.
As Sinner recuperates from his viral illness, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching his progression and readiness for the ATP Finals, where he hopes to solidify his position as the world’s top player.
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