Jannik Sinner reveals he was hit by a virus, and although he feels well physically, he still has not fully recovered ahead of the start of the US Open.
On Monday, the Italian tennis star lost his serve three times and fell 0-5 to Carlos Alcaraz before retiring from the Cincinnati final. Expectedly, the 24-year-old then also withdrew from the US Open mixed doubles tournament, which started on Tuesday.
However, Sinner was able to start practicing again this week at Flushing Meadows. Speaking with reporters, the four-time Grand Slam champion confirmed that he was dealing with a physical setback but that he contractedan illness.
Sinner: I have recovered mostly but I'm still not at 100 percent
"So physically, I feel good. You know, I have recovered mostly, not 100 percent yet, but we are aiming to be there in a couple of days. So should be all fine for the tournament. It was a virus, also some other players had it. Just sleeping and recovering. Nothing crazy," the world No. 1 said.
Sinner looking forward to his US Open title defense
Last year, Sinner conquered Flushing Meadows after dropping only two sets en route to winning his maiden title in New York. In the final, the Italian crushed home star Taylor Fritz - which prevented an American man winning the US Open for the first time since 2003.
The Italian may be dealing with a health setback going into the US Open - but one thing isn't lacking - his motivation.
"I'm very happy to be back here. It's obviously the last Grand Slam we have for this season so the motivations are very high," the defending champion noted.
In the US Open first round, Sinner starts against world No. 87 Vit Kopriva. They have no previous meetings but there is no doubt that Sinner is the major favorite to end on the winning side.
