Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Paris Masters due to a virus, the world No 1 announced on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition event to bag the $6m title in Saudi Arabia on 20 October, has been replaced in the draw by Frenchman Arthur Cazaux.
“I’m very disappointed to tell you that I am not able to play here at this tournament. I came here very early to prepare and then I felt sick,” Sinner said in a video message shared by the organizers.
“I have a virus at the moment, which will pass in the next two or three days. 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.”
The 23-year-old expects to recover in time to appear at the ATP Finals in Turin, with the Italian already qualified for the eight-player finals starting November 10 and sealing the end-of-year World No 1 ranking. Last week, the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic also withdrew from the final ATP-1000 event of the year.
Sinner’s withdrawal means Alcaraz is now the highest-ranked player in the draw – he will face Nicolas Jarry in the second round. The British No 1, Jack Draper, plays Jiri Lehecka in the first round on Tuesday afternoon.
