Sinner Cincinnati title defence is officially underway as world number one Jannik Sinner returns after a deliberate post-Wimbledon break. The 23-year-old Italian took time off to recover following his fourth Grand Slam title and now feels ready for action.
Sinner had lost a grueling French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz but made a strong comeback by defeating him at Wimbledon. Instead of immediately competing again, he took nearly a month off to reset physically and mentally.
“The body and mind need to recover and understand what happened,” Sinner told reporters in Ohio on Wednesday. Spending time with family and close friends, he said, helped him recharge.
He admitted to returning too soon after big wins in the past. This time, he discussed with his team and made a conscious decision to delay his comeback.
Sinner was spotted wearing a protective elbow sleeve during practice with Christopher Eubanks. However, he clarified that there was no injury and that he liked the stability and impact control the sleeve provided.
“The elbow is good,” he assured the media. He noted that the sleeve enhanced his ball-striking feel during Wimbledon, though he wanted to test it in hot, humid conditions like Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Open, where Sinner has a first-round bye, is a critical preparation event before the U.S. Open begins on August 23.
Earlier this year, Sinner also faced a brief suspension due to an inadvertent doping issue, making his return and recent success even more impressive.
With renewed energy, focus, and careful planning, Jannik Sinner aims to defend his Cincinnati title and continue his outstanding 2025 season. His performance will be closely watched as the hardcourt swing leads into the final Grand Slam of the year.
