Dhe forced break is over, the focus is back on the future: the hot phase of preparation for the US Open begins today for Italy's tennis star Jannik Sinner. Following his viral illness, which forced him to withdraw from the final of the Masters tournament in Cincinnati, the South Tyrolean is expected back on the training court today for the first time. The next important moment before the start of the last Grand Slam tournament of the year will be the draw for the main draw at 6 p.m. Italian time this evening.
The past few days have been characterized by rest and recovery. After the unfortunate withdrawal from the final against his rival Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner and his team deliberately decided to take a complete break to recharge their batteries. His coach Darren Cahill has now given the all-clear: "Jannik was suffering from a virus. I spoke to him last night and he was feeling a bit better," said Cahill. He was confident that his protégé would be fit again for the tournament in Flushing Meadows.
Defending the title and fighting for the number 1 spot
The draw is particularly explosive for Sinner this year. From Sunday, August 24, the reigning champion will not only have to successfully defend his title. Missing out on points in Cincinnati also puts his position as number one in the world rankings at risk. Should Sinner fail early in New York and Carlos Alcaraz triumph at the same time, he would have to cede the tennis throne to the Spaniard. The challenge for the Italian is therefore twofold: he must not only find his form, but also withstand the enormous pressure on him.
