World No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the Rolex Paris Masters has cast a shadow over the final ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the 2024 season. The Italian star, who has enjoyed a stellar year with Grand Slam triumphs at the Australian Open and US Open, announced his decision on Tuesday, citing a lingering illness.
Sinner’s absence is a significant blow to the tournament, as he was the top seed and a strong contender for the title. In a video message posted to the tournament’s social media, Sinner expressed his disappointment at having to withdraw. “I’m very disappointed to tell you that I’m not able to play here at this tournament,” he said. “I came very early here to prepare and felt sick. I’m having a virus at the moment, which is going to pass in the next two-three days. So, body-wise, I’m not ready to compete.”
Sinner’s withdrawal comes after a hectic fall swing that included a runner-up finish at the China Open, a victory at the Rolex Shanghai Masters over Novak Djokovic, and a lucrative appearance at the inaugural Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh. The 23-year-old Italian took home over six million dollars in both appearance and prize money for winning the six-man event, but he emphasized that his primary motivation was to test himself against the world’s best players.
“Of course, it’s a nice prize and everything,” Sinner explained, “but for me, I went there because there were possibly the six best players in the world. And then you can measure yourself with them.”
Despite his withdrawal from the Rolex Paris Masters, Sinner has already secured a berth at the ATP Finals in Turin. He will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Arthur Cazaux, who will open against either Corentin Moutet or Ben Shelton.
