The defending US Open champion Jannik Sinner faces an uphill battle to be ready for this weekend's tournament after illness forced him to abandon two competitions.
The Italian tennis star pulled out of the mixed doubles event where he was scheduled to partner Katerina Siniakova, following his earlier retirement from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz after merely 23 minutes of play.
These withdrawals have sparked concerns about whether the world number one will recover sufficiently to mount a defence of his title at Flushing Meadows. The young player claimed his maiden Grand Slam victory at last year's US Open by defeating Taylor Fritz in the final.
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Medical professionals have offered insights into the Italian's potential recovery period. Steven Buchwald, a health expert at Manhattan Mental Health, explained that the timeline could vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition.
Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness
| Reuters"Mild viral infections may resolve in three to five days, while more serious illnesses may take one to two weeks or longer," Buchwald stated.
The specialist outlined several recovery methods that could accelerate the player's return to fitness. These include adequate rest, maintaining proper hydration levels, and implementing a gradual return to training.
Buchwald also emphasised the importance of mental recovery techniques, suggesting that visualisation exercises and mindfulness practices could prove beneficial in the rehabilitation process.
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During his matches, several physical indicators suggested the player was struggling with his condition. Buchwald identified specific warning signs that may have signalled distress.
"Subtle body language cues like slowed footwork, shallow breathing, head tilts, and brief pauses between points may have indicated his body was under strain," the health expert noted.
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The US Open champion now faces a race against time to defend his title
|Reuters
The specialist highlighted how mental pressure can compound physical ailments in professional athletes.
According to Buchwald, psychological stress has the capacity to intensify exhaustion, which in turn impacts both coordination and the ability to make split-second decisions on court.
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The Italian star has expressed his commitment to competing at Flushing Meadows, provided his health permits.
"I love Grand Slams a lot, these are the main tournaments for my season and for my career," he stated.
Despite the setback, the world number one remains optimistic about his chances if he achieves full fitness.
"If I'm ready, physically and mentally, I will be ready to push," he confirmed.
Jannik Sinner is concerned about his health if he does compete
|Reuters
The defending champion acknowledged the challenges ahead whilst maintaining his focus on recovery.
"The US Open is going to be a tough tournament but at the same time I'm looking forward to it," he said.
He plans to take several days to recuperate before resuming training preparations for the tournament.