Tennis expert: 'Sinner is vulnerable'

Jannik Sinner is dealing with fitness issues before the US Open, the tournament where he currently holds the title.

Just days before the 2025 US Open, world No.1 Jannik Sinner has once again become the center of attention after having to retire from the 2025 Cincinnati Open final due to health concerns. Italian tennis commentator Guido Monaco believes the 23-year-old star is more susceptible to certain conditions compared to other top players.

In the recent Cincinnati final, Sinner lost the first five games consecutively to Carlos Alcaraz before becoming physically exhausted and forced to withdraw. Shortly after, he also pulled out from the mixed doubles event at the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year.

According to Monaco, this is not the first time Sinner has faced physical difficulties in major tournaments. At the 2025 Australian Open fourth round, played under hot weather, Sinner was visibly trembling on court but still fought hard to defeat Holger Rune in four sets. Previously, in the 2024 Wimbledon quarterfinals, he also struggled with health issues in his loss to Daniil Medvedev.

In an interview with OA Sport, Monaco expressed regret that fans could not witness the full Cincinnati final. He suggested that a packed schedule combined with harsh conditions might be the reason why Sinner often experiences physical decline.

"Competing intensely for 12 consecutive days and then immediately entering a cold air-conditioned room, feeling tired or even exhausted is quite understandable.", Monaco commented.

According to the Eurosport commentator, the Italian player might be "more fragile than others" in some situations, but this is not necessarily a negative trait: "I think that makes Sinner more relatable."

Monaco also pointed out an interesting habit of Sinner: "He often touches his upper abdomen when facing physical issues. This has happened multiple times and makes me curious about the real cause."

Despite facing physical challenges, Sinner is still considered a strong contender at the 2025 US Open. He must defend the massive 2,000 ranking points as the reigning champion against the close pursuit of Carlos Alcaraz.

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