World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Paris Masters due to an “intestinal virus,” according to tournament organisers, reports AFP.
The Italian tennis star, who secured his top ranking in mid-October, shared the news on X on Tuesday afternoon, expressing disappointment at missing the ATP 1000 event in the French capital.
“This is not an easy announcement to make. My team and I arrived early to prepare as best as possible, but unfortunately, I started feeling unwell during training and saw the doctor on Sunday. It turns out I’ve come down with a virus.
“I’m feeling better now, but I’m still not ready to compete here in Paris. I was really looking forward to this tournament, so it’s disappointing, to say the least.
“For now, I’m focusing on recovery and getting back to 100 per cent. I’ll be aiming to come back stronger for Turin!” Sinner posted.
Organizers stated that Sinner contracted the virus before arriving in Paris.
Replacing him in the draw is Frenchman Arthur Cazaux, who steps up from the qualifying rounds. Cazaux will face either fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or American Ben Shelton in his second-round opener on Tuesday.
The Paris Masters was intended as Sinner’s final preparation before the ATP Finals in Turin, set for November 10-17, where he’ll compete alongside the season’s top eight players, according to Republic World.
Following Turin, he is expected to participate in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, with Italy entering as the defending champions.
Sinner’s 2024 season has been a breakthrough, highlighted by his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open, and seven titles in total, including three Masters 1000 victories in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.
However, he also faces a pending doping case following a recent appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency, adding tension to his remarkable season.
The Paris indoor event has not been favourable to Sinner in recent years; he also withdrew from the tournament before his second match last season.
