Top seed Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Paris Masters after failing to recover in time from illness.
The world No.1 gave no mention of being unwell during his press conference in the French capital earlier this week but he is optimistic it will have no impact on his preparation for the ATP Finals in Turin. Sinner has a below-par record at the Paris Masters and has failed to record back-to-back wins in his three previous appearances. Last year he withdrew from his second round match due to fatigue.
“I’m disappointed to tell you that I am not able to play here at this tournament,” Sinner said in a video uploaded to social media.
“I came very early here to prepare and then I felt sick. I’m having a virus at the moment, which is gonna pass in the next two or three days. Body-wise, I am not able to compete.
“I am very, very sorry for that. I will see you guys [in Paris] next year, hopefully it will be a great year. And this year – without me! Hopefully I’ll see you next year. Ciao.”
Coming into the final Masters event of the year, Sinner played at the extravagant King Six Slams in Saudi Arabia where he won a staggering $6M in prize money. At the event he beat Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. On the ATP Tour, he has won seven titles since January, including both the Australian Open and US Open.
Sinner will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Arthur Cazaux who will play either Ben Shelton or Corentin Moutet.
