Credits: X
Tennis ace Jannik Sinner pulled out of the Paris Masters due to an intestinal virus. Sinner, currently placed on top spot in ATP rankings, announced his decision of pulling out from the tournament on Tuesday, October 29. Sinner, who has been assured of finishing the year top of the rankings for the first time at the age of 23 since October has been replaced by Arthur Cazaux, who made it to the drafts from qualifying.
The Frenchman will either be against compatriot Corentin Moutet or America’s Ben Shelton in the second round opener. Sinner is expected to take part in the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain. Notably, Sinner has been enjoying a fruitful season, where he won his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and the US Open.
This is not an easy announcement to make: Jannik Sinner as he withdraws from Paris Masters
The 23-year-old Italian tennis superstar announced his decision of withdrawing from the tournament and said that while he is feeling better now, he won’t be able to compete in the tournament. Sinner, on his X, announced, “This is not an easy announcement to make. My team and I arrived early to prepare as best as possible, but unfortunately, I started feeling unwell during training and saw the doctor on Sunday. It turns out I’ve come down with a virus.”
He added, “I’m feeling better now, but I’m still not ready to compete here in Paris. I was really looking forward to this tournament, so it’s disappointing, to say the least. For now, I’m focusing on recovery and getting back to 100%. I’ll be aiming to come back stronger for Turin!”
Not only this, but in a video shared by organisers, Sinner could be heard saying, “I’m very disappointed to tell you that I am not able to play here at this tournament. I have a virus at the moment, which will pass in the next two or three days. I came here very early to prepare and then I felt sick. After the first practice session I really didn’t feel good."
Sinner added, “Today I feel better already a little bit, but the body is not ready to compete and I still feel very, very weak. Body-wise, I am not ready to compete. I am 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.”
I consider them much more than two guys who hit the ball very hard: Patrick Mouratoglou
In other news, French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglu weighed in on the famous debate about who is superior between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. He said, "I think they have a completely different playing style from Roger, Rafa, and Novak; I don't think it's logical to compare them, and I consider them much more than two guys who hit the ball very hard."
Heaping praise on Alcaraz, he said, "Carlos can do anything on court; he is perfect in almost all aspects of the game. His forehand is unbelievable; I see no weakness in his backhand; and physically he is a beast. He has too many choices in his tennis, which sometimes makes him lose direction and make too many unforced errors."
Speaking about Sinner, Mouratoglou said, "Sinner is a machine. He can do less things but he is starting to add new weapons to his game. He is not as good as Carlos, but what he does well is impressive. He takes time away from his opponent, hits with great power and precision, his movements are crazy, and he makes very few mistakes."
