Sinner makes precautionary Rotterdam pullout

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from his title defence at the ATP 500 in Rotterdam, with the world No. 1 citing fatigue after winning his second straight Australian Open title at the weekend.

The Italian who has won three of the last five majors said he did not want to compromise his fitness prior to the march start of the brief US hardcourt swing.

“After consulting with my team we had to take the difficult decision to withdraw,” Sinner said in a statement.

“My body needs time to rest after the long run in Australia. I have great memories from winning the title in front of amazing crowds at Rotterdam Ahoy last year and hope to be back there soon.”

Former Wimbledon winner and longtime tournament director said he completely understood.

“The Australian Open has been long and tough for Jannik. It is a great shame for both him and us that his efforts are preventing him from participating in Rotterdam.”

Sinner joined Bulgarian veteran Grigor Dimitrov, in pulling out of the indoor events in Europe’s biggest port city which begins on Monday.

With Sinner out, Carlos Alcaraz will take the top seeding at the Ahoy arena, alongside rivals includingDaniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublevand former winner Felix Auger-Aliassime and Stan Wawrinka.