World No.1 Jannik Sinner has sparked concerns after visiting two medical clinics in Italy before heading to the US Open and the Cincinnati Open. The Italian, who finished runner-up at both tournaments last year, has not played a match since successfully defending his Wimbledon title last month.
Medical Visits in Turin and Milan
Last week, Sinner visited the J Medical in Turin and was seen wearing a patch on his knee. On Tuesday morning, he went to the Physioclinic on Via Fontana in Milan, a physiotherapy evaluation and treatment facility, accompanied by four members of his team. He completed checkups and left around midday.
These visits are said to be regular protocol for Sinner, who has many points to defend in the second half of the season and wants to protect his body for the North American hard court swing. However, it is not known whether the Milan checkups were related to his knee.
Previous Tests and Heat Concerns
Sinner also completed medical tests ahead of Wimbledon earlier this year. After suffering a shock second-round defeat at the French Open, where he wilted in the heat and lost a two-set and 5-1 lead to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, he underwent tests related to his heat tolerance before heading to the All England Club.
At Wimbledon, Sinner defended his title with a four-set victory over Alexander Zverev in the final. He explained: "[They] were general tests to see health-wise how I was, to be sure that all is okay with the body, which is. All tests were really good. Even though we are very sure we need to practice in hotter conditions. I feel like everywhere where we play is going to be very hot. Every year is getting warmer and warmer. It's a very important topic."
Upcoming Schedule
Sinner skipped the Canadian Open in Montreal, which would have given him the chance to win all nine Masters 1000 events in a single calendar year, having already won the first five of the season. He is expected to return in Cincinnati late next week.
