Jannik Sinner plays down hip issue ahead of Cincinnati Open

World number one Jannik Sinner, aged 22, has expressed that he is not concerned about a hip issue that has been affecting him for the past few months. He is eager to return to the court at the US Open preparatory tournament in Cincinnati this week.

The young athlete has faced challenges in overcoming the injury sustained in May during the Madrid tournament, and it appeared to worsen following an unexpected quarter-final loss to Andrey Rublev in Montreal on Saturday.

Nevertheless, Sinner attributes his difficulties to the high intensity of recent matches, particularly after he missed the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis.

"I feel quite good. Naturally, I had nearly a week without practice prior, and after competing for two to three consecutive days, which was slightly more than usual, that could have potentially impacted my hip," Sinner informed the media.

"However, I am not concerned. I feel good regarding my hip, and I am simply looking forward to returning to the court here."

The Australian Open champion noted that the conditions at the Cincinnati Open this week may present a greater challenge as he prepares for the US Open, scheduled from August 26 to September 8.

"I typically find it somewhat challenging to play here due to the conditions, but I am eager to see how I respond this year, as it serves as a significant test," Sinner remarked, as he is set to face either Tallon Griekspoor or Alex Michelsen in his first match.

"I believe this tournament can instill a great deal of confidence for the US Open, which is the final Grand Slam of the year. Therefore, in my perspective, this tournament holds considerable importance.

"We will take it day by day... I have a few days to prepare and I hope to demonstrate some good tennis."