Will Jannik Sinner play the US Open 2025? Sinner pulled out of the Cincinnati final against after being 0-5 down in the first set due to illness, and later also withdrew from the mixed doubles event, leaving major concerns around his title defence at the singles event, which gets underway on August 24.
, coach, Darren Cahill, provided a big update on the world no.1 and said he was forced to retire against Alcaraz due to a viral infection. Cahill, however, sounded optimistic about Sinner’s return to peak fitness before the main draw of the US Open.
“Jannik suffered from a virus that forced him to retire against Alcaraz on Monday. He’s feeling a bit better now, will rest today, and is expected back on court Thursday. We are confident he’s going to be fine,” Cahill told ESPN ahead of the US Open draw release on Thursday.
What Do Medical Experts Say About Sinner’s Return?
Steven Buchwald, health expert at Manhattan Mental Health, told express.co.uk that minor viral infections can take up to five days to heal, while serious infections could last up to two weeks. In Sinner’s case, the reigning Wimbledon champion looked in discomfort against Alcaraz, but it didn’t seem like a severe infection where it would have been tough for Sinner to even make the court.
“Athlete withdrawals often signal a combination of physical and psychological stress,” Buchwald said.
“In Sinner’s case, subtle body language cues like slowed footwork, shallow breathing, head tilts, and brief pauses between points may have indicated his body was under strain. Psychological stress can amplify fatigue, affecting coordination and decision-making. Recovery timelines for acute illness vary. Mild viral infections may resolve in three to five days, while more serious illnesses may take one to two weeks or longer.”
Buchwald said that Sinner could boost his recovery by taking proper rest, staying hydrated, and gradual training. He backed Sinner’s decision to withdraw from the Cincinnati final and said it could maximise his physical health and competitive prospects.
“With these steps, athletes can optimize recovery and improve the likelihood of performing at their best at the next event. “Sinner’s decision to withdraw, while disappointing for fans, likely maximises both his physical health and competitive prospects,” he added.