Cincinnati Open put in jeopardy: Jannik Sinner reported to be considering options as knee problem raises concern

Another sucker blow could be imminent for the North American hardcourt swing. Jannik Sinner, who skipped the Canadian Open, could follow in suit at the Cincinnati Open following fresh reports surrounding a knee problem that for now has not jeopardised his future US Open involvement.

The World No.1 has played in a significant amount of tennis this calendar year. A large part of that is down to him winning five consecutive Masters 1000 titles, possibly having a negative effect on his abysmal Roland Garros showing.

He rallied at Wimbledon to defend the title but has since disappeared from the public view, opting not to compete ahead of the North American hardcourt swing. He then delayed it indefinitely after opting to preserve his health with a second consecutive withdrawal from the Canadian Open.

Tennis fans got the impression that he was just resting up for a busy end of the year with there still so much more to play for. The Cincinnati Open and specifically the US Open were targeted, but even then they could be in doubt.

Sinner has spent part of his time away from the competition back getting medical checkups. He first went for numerous tests in Turin and Milan after the Roland Garros collapse, but nothing seemed wrong.

He has since gone back to these locations, first the J-Medical hospital in Turin for some medical tests before making the trip to Milan to see a Physioclinic. The news seemed to be relatively positive at first, but it has taken a turn with his Cincinnati Open involvement now up in the air with reports from Eurosport keeping everyone on their toes.

As per Corriere della Sera, it was not a simple routine checkup in Milan on Tuesday but a chance to check the condition of the knee of the five-time Grand Slam champion which had been a cause for concern.

The check-up was carried out by Professor Gianluca Melegati - formerly a doctor for AC Milan and the Italian national rugby team. It is not unveiled yet whether Sinner will go for another visit ahead of travelling out to the USA with a number of options on the table.

Whether he delays his flight out to Ohio by a few days or if the problem is severe enough to rule him out of the Masters 1000 tournament completely. He will be mainly focusing on the US Open as he intends to get his crown back after losing last year in the final against an inspired Carlos Alcaraz. Sacrifices may have to be made, and it will be a nervy wait for everyone involved.

With Alcaraz not competing in the Cincinnati Open, Sinner will again be the favourite if he is to compete. Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev both will fancy their chances in the final big tournament ahead of the fourth and final Grand Slam event of 2026.