Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner has been forced to withdraw from the US Open due to a combination of illness and injury, abruptly ending his run at Flushing Meadows.
The 22-year-old, who had been tipped as a dark horse for the title, struggled through his fourth-round match against Alexander Zverev before ultimately retiring in the deciding set.
Sinner's physical struggles were evident from the outset, with the young star appearing visibly fatigued and battling what appeared to be breathing difficulties. Medical staff were called multiple times during the match as Sinner's condition deteriorated.
A disappointing end to a promising campaign
The retirement marks a bitter disappointment for Sinner, who had shown impressive form in the earlier rounds. His exit follows a grueling five-set battle in the previous round, which may have contributed to his physical breakdown.
"It's always tough to withdraw from a Grand Slam," Sinner said in a brief statement after the match. "I gave everything I had but my body just wouldn't cooperate today."
Concerns grow over player welfare
The incident has reignited discussions about the demanding nature of the tennis calendar and player welfare. With extreme heat and humidity affecting play throughout the tournament, questions are being raised about whether more should be done to protect competitors.
Sinner's withdrawal continues a worrying trend of young players struggling with injuries early in their careers. The tennis world will now wait anxiously for updates on his condition ahead of the remaining season.
